Tilman Fertitta Buys Connecticut Sun for $300 Million

Tilman Fertitta has agreed to buy the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Tribe for $300 million, a record price for a WNBA franchise. The team will play one more season in Connecticut, then relocate to Houston in 2027 as the Houston Comets, pending league approval.

Good to Know

• The sale price is a WNBA record at $300 million.
• The Sun will stay in Connecticut for the coming season before the Houston relocation.
• The Comets won the first four WNBA titles from 1997 through 2000.

Record Sale Ends Mohegan Era

Mohegan bought the franchise in 2003 and became the first Native American tribe to own a US pro sports team and the first independent WNBA owner. The Sun reached four WNBA Finals but never won a title.

Joe Soper said: “Mohegan owes an enormous amount of gratitude first and foremost to our extraordinary fans cheering on the team for 23 incredible seasons.” He added: “This team — and what the talented women who have worn this uniform over the years have meant to Mohegan Sun, our region and the impact they’ve made both on and off the court, has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Patrick Fertitta told ESPN the family is “thrilled for the opportunity to bring the Houston Comets back to this incredible city” and believes “the time is right to begin the next great era of Comets basketball”. Fertitta already owns the Houston Rockets, while both sides of the deal also have deep casino ties through Golden Nugget, Wynn Resorts, and Mohegan Sun.