The Connecticut Solar’s future is shifting nearer to a defining second, with Houston Rockets possession now engaged in substantive negotiations to buy and relocate the WNBA franchise, in accordance with ESPN.
Discussions between Rockets possession and the Mohegan Tribe — which has owned the Solar since relocating the franchise from Orlando to Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2003 — have been described as “optimistic.” Houston has improved its monetary proposal to a degree the Solar could also be ready to just accept, although no exclusivity settlement has been signed and no closing determination has been made.
Breaking: Houston Rockets possession is in substantive talks with the Connecticut Solar over the potential buy and relocation of the WNBA franchise, sources instructed me and @ramonashelburne pic.twitter.com/FzUV4yTat3
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) December 19, 2025
Houston Lengthy Seen because the WNBA’s Most well-liked Market
The most recent talks align with the WNBA’s long-stated curiosity in returning to Houston. On the league’s three-team enlargement announcement in June, commissioner Cathy Engelbert particularly recognized Houston as “up subsequent,” citing the town’s historical past within the league and the power of Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta’s possession group.
Houston pursued enlargement throughout that course of however didn’t safe a franchise when Philadelphia, Cleveland and Detroit had been awarded groups at a $250 million enlargement price. Since then, relocation has more and more emerged as essentially the most viable pathway for Houston’s return to the league.
A Sophisticated Sale Course of With A number of Bidders
The Solar launched a proper course of greater than a 12 months in the past to discover funding and sale choices as WNBA franchise valuations surged. ESPN reported that Houston was among the many teams that expressed curiosity in buying the group outright earlier this 12 months, ultimately elevating its supply to roughly $250 million.
In early July, Solar possession reached a deal to promote the franchise for a file $325 million to a gaggle led by former Celtics minority proprietor Steve Pagliuca, with plans to relocate the group to Boston. That deal stalled after the WNBA reiterated that relocation choices are made by the league’s Board of Governors and that markets already concerned within the enlargement course of take priority.
Following that call, the WNBA provided to purchase the Solar for $250 million, a transfer that will have allowed the league to facilitate a subsequent sale to a market of its selecting. ESPN reported there was a powerful perception on the time that Houston was the league’s most popular vacation spot.
Connecticut Choices Gradual as Free Company Looms
Extra lately, Solar possession explored the potential of Connecticut-affiliated funds buying a minority stake within the franchise. These talks, nonetheless, have slowed, in accordance with ESPN.
The urgency surrounding the Solar’s future is heightened by the league calendar. The WNBA hopes to succeed in readability on the franchise’s course earlier than free company, the place all however two league veterans are at the moment unsigned. The precise timing of free company stays unsure because the league and gamers’ union proceed negotiating a brand new collective bargaining settlement, with a deadline set for Jan. 9.
HOUSTON COMETS DYNASTY!
4 Years / 4 ChampionshipsRegular season: 98-24Playoffs: 16-2 https://t.co/za0Ee5BOhQ pic.twitter.com/Mn3vfnkcWU
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 15, 2025
Fertitta’s Push and the Legacy of the Comets
Fertitta has been a constant advocate for bringing the WNBA again to Houston, continuously highlighting the town’s fan base and NBA-level infrastructure. Houston beforehand served as dwelling to the Comets, one of many league’s authentic franchises and its first dynasty, successful 4 consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000 earlier than folding in 2008.
Commissioner Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver have each referenced that legacy when discussing Houston’s candidacy, underscoring the league’s perception that the market is well-positioned to help a contemporary WNBA franchise.
What Comes Subsequent
Any sale and relocation of the Solar would nonetheless require approval from the WNBA Board of Governors, together with closing settlement on relocation phrases. As of now, no timetable has been finalized.
Nonetheless, with negotiations described as energetic and constructive, and with Houston’s long-standing place because the league’s most popular market, the potential of the Solar in the end relocating to Houston seems nearer than at any level for the reason that franchise was first put up on the market.
