The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a deep playoff run after acquiring 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant in a trade this offseason, though another move off the court may be in the works for the organization’s owner Tilman Fertitta.
Fertitta is reportedly interested in bringing a WNBA franchise back to Houston, which was once home to one of the league’s original eight teams. The Houston Comets dominated in the early years of the WNBA and won four consecutive championships from 1997-2000. Still, the team was ultimately dissolved following the 2008 campaign.
With the WNBA’s growing popularity, expansion has picked up. The Golden State Valkyries joined in 2025 and made the postseason in their inaugural season. Toronto and Portland are slated to debut in 2026, with Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) already lined up, per the WNBA.
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Adam Silver teases WNBA’s move to Houston
Expansion is ongoing, though some changes haven’t gone smoothly. The Mohegan Tribe, owners of the Connecticut Sun since 2003, have been looking to sell the team, though talks have stalled amid interest from buyers looking to relocate the franchise. NBA commissioner Adam Silver, speaking at the 2025 Front Office Sports Tuned In Summit on Tuesday, explained that the league must be involved in any relocation discussions.
“We have Houston sitting out there — ownership there in Tilman Fertitta. Before he was the current owner of the Houston Rockets, the Comets were one of the most successful WNBA franchises back in the day, and they very much want a team,” Silver said. “So we went to the Mohegan Sun and said well, if you want to sell your team, that’s fine if you have a buyer to play at the Mohegan Sun. But once you’re talking about moving it to another city, that’s a league matter — that’s not an individual team matter.”
Houston could emerge as either an expansion team or a relocation destination for the Sun. Furthermore, the Mohegan Tribe are reportedly scheduled to meet with the league regarding next steps, according to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports.
With a population approaching 2.5 million people and a proven fan base from the Comets era, Houston remains an extremely appealing market for the league. Considering he owns the Rockets as well, Fertitta's involvement could strengthen the city’s chances of landing a team.
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