For more than two decades, the Connecticut Sun stood as one of the WNBA’s most stable franchises. Through ownership uncertainty around the league, roster overhauls, and constant changes in sport, the Mohegan Tribe kept this franchise alive when many others disappeared. But now, after months of speculation and negotiations, the end of that era is officially locked in.

On Wednesday, the WNBA announced that both the league and the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. So it is now confirmed that this franchise will relocate to Houston ahead of the 2027 season and officially revive the Houston Comets name, which folded in 2008.

However, while the relocation itself had already been expected for weeks, this announcement has everyone asking one question: What happens to the people currently working for the Sun? And that’s where the Connecticut Sun president, Jen Rizzotti, stepped in. Speaking to the reporters after the sale was approved, Rizzotti shared the message she received regarding the organization’s future staff members.

“The feeling she’s been given is everybody working for the Sun is welcome to go to Houston,” reporter Annie Costabile shared following Rizzotti’s media availability.

That statement instantly added a more human side to a story that has mostly revolved around money, expansion, and league politics over the past few months. The Sun spent 23 years building one of the WNBA’s most respected organizations, so it makes sense that they would want the people who made that possible to start this new chapter with them.

Why could Connecticut no longer hold onto the Sun?

The Connecticut Sun originally began as the Orlando Miracle before relocating to Uncasville in 2003 after the Mohegan Tribe purchased the team for roughly $10 million. At the time, several WNBA franchises were shutting down under NBA ownership, and the Tribe’s decision helped preserve one of the league’s remaining teams during a difficult period for women’s basketball.

Over the years, the Sun consistently competed for championships, reached multiple WNBA Finals, and became one of the league’s strongest attendance draws during several seasons. This team also made eight straight playoff appearances from 2017 through 2024.

But even with all its success, the organization slowly began to fall behind the league’s rapidly changing standards.

As new ownership groups with NBA ties entered the league, facilities and player resources across the league dramatically improved. Teams started building dedicated practice centers, expanding player amenities, and investing heavily in the infrastructure. However, the Connecticut Sun still relied on shared facilities connected to the Mohegan Tribe community center whenever the team could not access Mohegan Sun Arena. That gap became harder to ignore as the WNBA saw a surge in its popularity like never before.

The timings also played a huge role as the WNBA recently agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement that further raised expectations around player investment and facilities. Around the same time, expansion fees skyrocketed, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia all reportedly paying $250 million to join the league.

Against that, Fertitta’s reported $300 million purchase price shattered the previous record for a WNBA franchise sale. But that doesn’t mean the relocation happened without any controversy.

Inside the Quarrel Over the Sun Relocation Deal

According to reports, the Boston Celtics minority owner, Steve Pagliuca, submitted a bid of around $325 million to relocate the Sun to Boston. That proposal also included an additional $110 million commitment toward a new practice facility.

Another group, led by the Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, also matched the $325 million valuation with interest in keeping the team within the broader New England region.

But despite those offers, the league ultimately moved forward with Fertitta’s offer and sold it $25M short.

That decision has fueled discussion around how relocation and ownership choices are made, especially at a time when the WNBA has aggressively expanded under NBA-affiliated ownership groups.

Nonetheless, the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have now approved the sale, putting all speculation to rest and finalizing the move to Houston.

The Sun will now play their final season in Connecticut in 2026, bringing an end to a rich legacy in Uncasville.