### Houston Rockets Eye Connecticut Sun: A Potential Return to WNBA The Houston Rockets' ownership is reportedly in advanced negotiations to purchase the Connecticut Sun, a prominent WNBA franchise. This move could mark the return of a WNBA team to Houston, a city that previously hosted the Houston Comets, a successful franchise that won four championships before disbanding in 2008. The discussions have been characterized as positive, with the Rockets improving their financial offer to the Sun's current owners, the Mohegan Tribe, who have been exploring the sale and relocation of the team since May 2025 [https://usa365.info/rockets-owners-in-talks-to-buy-and-relocate-connecticut-sun][https://www.si.com/wnba/sun/news/rockets-owner-emerges-leading-suitor-purchase-move-connecticut-sun]. ### Structure of the Negotiation and Potential Relocation 1. **Current Status of Negotiations** - The Rockets' ownership is engaged in "substantive talks" with the Connecticut Sun regarding a potential purchase and relocation to Houston [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/report-nba-team-ownership-deeply-195200793.html]. - No formal offer has been made, and the parties have not entered an exclusivity agreement yet [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/report_rockets_owners_in_talks_to_buy_relocate_wnbas_sun/s1_17054_43226692]. 2. **Historical Context** - Houston previously had the Comets, which were a dominant force in the WNBA during the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning four consecutive championships [https://www.thedreamshake.com/rockets-news/37352/houston-rockets-ownership-in-talks-to-purchase-and-relocate-wnbas-connecticut-sun]. - The WNBA has expanded recently, with new teams being added in cities like Cleveland and Detroit, but Houston has been indicated as a future market for expansion [https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/houston-rockets-owners-connecticut-sun-wnba-team-sale-relocation]. 3. **Future Plans for the Franchise** - If the purchase goes through, the Connecticut Sun could be rebranded as the Houston Comets, aiming for a return to the league by the 2027 or 2028 season [https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/rockets-ownership-reportedly-discussing-purchase-relocation-of-connecticut-sun-160256947.html]. - The Mohegan Tribe, which has owned the Sun since 2003, is considering the sale as part of a strategic move to explore new opportunities for the franchise [https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/12/rockets-ownership-in-substantive-talks-to-buy-relocate-connecticut-sun-report.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Financial Offer**: The Rockets have reportedly improved their financial offer to the Sun, indicating a serious commitment to the acquisition [https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/houston-rockets-owners-connecticut-sun-wnba-team-sale-relocation]. - **Market Potential**: Houston is seen as a favorable market for the WNBA, especially given its historical success with the Comets and the growing interest in women's sports [https://ballislife.com/news/wnba/rockets-ownership-talks-buy-relocate-connecticut-sun-houston]. - **Timeline for Relocation**: The potential rebranding and relocation could align with the WNBA's expansion plans, making Houston a key player in the league's future [https://www.espn.ph/wnba/story/_/id/47357385/sources-rockets-owners-expand-talks-buy-move-sun]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Women's Basketball in Houston In summary, the Houston Rockets are actively pursuing the purchase and relocation of the Connecticut Sun, which could reinstate a WNBA presence in Houston. The negotiations are progressing positively, with financial offers being improved and a potential rebranding on the horizon. This move not only reflects the Rockets' commitment to women's basketball but also aligns with the WNBA's expansion strategy, potentially revitalizing a historic market for the league. 1. **Negotiations are ongoing with no formal offer yet** [https://www.yardbarker.com/wnba/articles/report_rockets_owners_in_talks_to_buy_relocate_wnbas_sun/s1_17054_43226692]. 2. **Houston's historical success with the Comets adds context** [https://www.thedreamshake.com/rockets-news/37352/houston-rockets-ownership-in-talks-to-purchase-and-relocate-wnbas-connecticut-sun]. 3. **Future plans include rebranding and aiming for a 2027 or 2028 return** [https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/rockets-ownership-reportedly-discussing-purchase-relocation-of-connecticut-sun-160256947.html].