The Houston Comets are officially on track to return for the 2027 WNBA season. After disbanding in 2008, the franchise is planning a revival and has hired former ESPN senior writer and analytics expert Kevin Pelton as its assistant general manager and vice president of analytics. The move comes ahead of the 2027 season, per Alexa Philippou of ESPN.
The Comets were one of the first eight teams when the WNBA launched in 1997. They led a record-breaking run, winning the league’s first four championships (1997-2000). The roster was powered by legends like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, who, under the guidance of head coach Van Chancellor, formed the most dominant team in WNBA history.
However, the original franchise folded in 2008 due to ownership and financial issues. Now, in a twist of fate, the Houston Comets are gearing up for a comeback through the relocation of an existing powerhouse.
Kevin Pelton Joins Houston Comets Front Office
The Connecticut Sun franchise will relocate to Houston for the 2027 WNBA season and be rebranded as the Houston Comets. According to ESPN, “The Connecticut Sun have reached an agreement to sell the team to Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and will move to Houston in 2027. The WNBA board of governors still needs to approve the sale and the move.”
What truly caught attention during this transition was the record $300 million the Fertitta family paid to acquire ownership of the Sun. As per ESPN sources, “The Sun are being sold for a record $300 million.”
Connecticut Sun President Jen Rizzotti told the AP, “I would have loved to remain in the region for our fan base and for the fact that I think this region deserves a women’s basketball team. At the same time, it wasn’t my decision, and I’m at a point now where my focus turns to making this the best season we can have and a memorable one for our fans. It’s an opportunity to say thank you to them.”
As the franchise plans for the future, the Sun will play the 2026 season in Connecticut. By hiring Kevin Pelton, the Comets aim to tap into Pelton’s analytical and data-driven expertise, which will assist General Manager Morgan Tuck and Rizzotti in navigating the transition.
Strategic Transition for the Comets’ 2027 Return
The commitment to a strong revival is evident through the new hire, who brings a deep resume. Before joining ESPN in 2013, Pelton served as a statistical consultant for the Indiana Pacers from 2010 to 2012 and spent nine years covering the Seattle Storm (2002-12) and the Seattle SuperSonics (2002-08).
By bringing in such a specialist, the Houston Comets are positioning themselves to reclaim their historic status and pave the way for a fifth title, with Pelton playing a vital role in draft analysis and roster selection.
This strategy comes as the 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to kick off on May 8, following a verbal agreement reached on March 18 between the WNBA and WNBPA after months of negotiations.
