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The Connecticut Sun are set to leave New England. The Mohegan tribe announced a planned sale of the WNBA franchise to Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta, with a move to Houston scheduled for the 2027 season, pending league approval. Fans and local leaders will see one more Connecticut campaign in 2026 before the team shifts markets.
Sale details and confirmation from owners
The Mohegan tribal leadership confirmed the transaction on Monday. The sale remains subject to a formal vote by the WNBA and its board.
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Tilman Fertitta, who already owns the NBA’s Houston Rockets, is the buyer. Team ownership will transition after approval is secured.
In their statement, tribal officials expressed deep appreciation for fans and the players who represented the franchise over more than two decades.
Why the move matters for the WNBA and Houston
Adding a WNBA franchise to an NBA ownership group aligns with a trend of shared markets. Fertitta brings local resources and media reach.
- Market scale: Houston is a large media market with a history of strong pro sports support.
- Operational synergies: Shared facilities and marketing could follow, as with other NBA-WNBA pairings.
- League approval: The relocation requires approval, which the WNBA typically weighs carefully.
A franchise born in relocation: the Connecticut chapter
The team began life before Connecticut, relocated in the early 2000s after being purchased by the Mohegan organization.
- 2003: Franchise purchased and moved to Uncasville, Connecticut.
- 2004–05: Early peak with back-to-back appearances in the WNBA Finals.
- 2009–16: A rough stretch, missing the playoffs in most seasons.
- 2017 onward: Return to competitiveness under Curt Miller and a multi-year playoff run.
Coaching turnover and recent on-court slide
The Sun have experienced notable coaching churn since their playoff streak began.
- Curt Miller led a turnaround that produced sustained postseason appearances.
- Miller departed for the Los Angeles Sparks after the 2022 season.
- Stephanie White left following a 28-win season in 2024 to coach the Indiana Fever.
- Under Rachid Meziane, the team posted just 11 wins this most recent season.
That decline parallels other roster and front-office changes that influenced the team’s competitiveness.
Key dates and what fans should know
The Sun will remain in Connecticut for the 2026 season. The franchise is expected to begin play in Houston in 2027 if the WNBA approves the sale.
- Pending approval: League vote to finalize sale and relocation.
- 2026 season: Final year in Connecticut under current ownership.
- 2027 season: Targeted debut in Houston under new ownership.
Community reaction and local impact
Mohegan officials highlighted the cultural and economic ties between the team and the region.
Local business leaders, season-ticket holders, and civic groups will likely weigh in as the approval process moves forward.
Ticketing, staff positions, and arena agreements are among the logistical details that will be addressed in the months ahead.
