Houston could soon see the return of the Comets as a plan to relocate a WNBA team to the city targets a 2027 debut at Toyota Center.
HOUSTON — The WNBA could soon return to Houston, with plans to revive one of the league’s most historic franchises and begin play within the next few years.
Fertitta Entertainment, led by Houston Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta, has entered into an agreement to purchase the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. The deal includes plans to relocate the team to Houston and bring back the Houston Comets name.
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Pending league approval, the franchise is expected to begin play at Toyota Center for the start of the 2027 WNBA season.
“My family and I are thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city,” said Rockets Alternate Governor Patrick Fertitta. “Houston has a proud championship history in the WNBA, with banners from the Comets’ four historic championship seasons still hanging in the rafters of Toyota Center. We believe the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball, and we look forward to working with the WNBA as we move through this process.”
The move would mark the return of a franchise that helped define the early years of the WNBA.
The Houston Comets were one of the league’s original eight teams and quickly became a dynasty, winning the WNBA’s first four championships. During their 12 seasons from 1997 to 2008, the Comets made nine playoff appearances.
The team featured several standout players, including Hall of Famers Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, along with former head coach Van Chancellor.
“This is an exciting time for our organization as we welcome the WNBA back to the City of Houston and revive the legacy of the Comets,” said President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr. “The momentum and enthusiasm have been evident through the overwhelming interest from fans and the business community, all eager to support the return of this franchise. It is a true testament to the continued growth and investment in women’s sports, which deserve a place on the world’s biggest stages. We cannot wait for the Comets to begin their next chapter – reigniting the passion of their loyal fans while inspiring a new generation.”
That return effort is already beginning to take shape.
Fans can visit houstoncomets.com to place a $99 per seat deposit for priority access to season tickets. The site also offers sign-ups for updates and official WNBA Houston merchandise as preparations move forward.
If approved, the move would bring professional women’s basketball back to Houston for the first time in nearly two decades, marking a new chapter for a franchise with deep roots in the city’s sports history.
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