A Major Shift for the WNBA

The New England region is set to lose its WNBA presence following the announcement that the Mohegan Tribe has reached an agreement to sell the Connecticut Sun. The team will play its final season in 2026 before relocating to Houston in 2027, where it will be rebranded as the Houston Comets—a nod to the original franchise that disbanded in 2008.

The Sale and Relocation Details

Pending approval from the WNBA board of governors, the franchise will be sold to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta for $300 million. This deal concludes a 23-year history for the Sun in the Connecticut area. While the sale price is significant, it is lower than two competing $325 million bids from Boston Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca and Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry.

Why Other Bids Were Rejected

Reports indicate that the WNBA league office prioritized maintaining control over team locations. Both Pagliuca and Lasry intended to move the franchise to Boston or Hartford, respectively. The league maintained that teams cannot be purchased in one market solely for the purpose of relocating them to another, viewing those cities as potential future expansion markets rather than immediate relocation targets.

Local Reaction and Future Outlook

The decision has drawn criticism from local officials. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has expressed concerns regarding potential antitrust violations, while Senator Richard Blumenthal and other stakeholders lobbied to keep the team in the region. Despite the disappointment, team president Jen Rizzotti stated that her focus remains on delivering a memorable final season for the fans.

UConn coach Geno Auriemma also voiced his support for the region, noting that Connecticut has proven its ability to support women's basketball. The league, meanwhile, favored the Fertitta bid due to the existing NBA infrastructure in Houston, which is expected to bolster the success of the women's team.