Houston Comets Set for 2027 Return as Fertitta Acquires Connecticut Sun
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The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors have signed off on the sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. The franchise will complete the current campaign in Connecticut before relocating to Houston for the 2027 season, when it is expected to revive the historic Houston Comets brand that operated from 1997-2008.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported that the club will not have an independent practice facility in Houston. Instead, the Comets will train at Toyota Center—currently undergoing a $180 million renovation—sharing the building with the Rockets.
Additional basketball notes
Bryce Cotton joins Boomers: Six-time Australian NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who became an Australian citizen last September, will represent Australia in July’s World Cup qualifiers, according to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc. Because only one naturalized player can appear on Australia’s World Cup or Olympic roster, either Cotton or Matisse Thybulle would be left off future tournaments.
Players rate NBA officials: The National Basketball Players Association released its annual referee survey, placing 26 officials in a top “elite” tier, 27 in a “solid performer” tier, and 20 in a “needs improvement” category based on player feedback.
Diakite nears Dubai deal: After a strong EuroLeague season with Baskonia, former NBA forward Mamadi Diakite, 29, is close to signing with Dubai Basketball, reports BasketNews.com. Diakite logged 55 NBA regular-season games from 2021-24 with Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Cleveland, San Antonio, and New York.
Conference finals dates outlined: The NBA released tentative schedules for the conference finals. The Eastern finals will open Sunday or Tuesday, contingent on a possible Cavaliers-Pistons Game 7. The Western finals will start Monday or Wednesday, depending on Friday’s Game 6 between the Spurs and Timberwolves. The Knicks (East) and Thunder (West) await the winners.
Source: Hoops Rumors
