Ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, the women’s basketball reign has been rocked by the Connecticut Sun news. Following a lot of back and forth, the franchise was finally sold to the Fertitta family for a whopping $300 million. This meant that this was the final time that the franchise would play in Connecticut before permanently shifting to Houston.
Now, the relocation of the Sun to Houston has created differing opinions. People widely discuss how this could negatively impact the league. But for Houston, it’s business as usual. And they are already preparing for a grand 2027 launch.
Alexa Philippou Confirms Kevin Pelton’s Role For Houston Comets
The Houston Comets will be making a comeback to the WNBA scene in 2027. And they have already confirmed their first front office hiring. In a recent update, Alexa Philippou reported that sources told her ESPN’s Kevin Pelton joined the front office ahead of the 2027 season.
Delving into details of Pelton’s role, Philippou pointed out that his official designation will be that of Assistant General Manager or Vice President of analytics. However, Pelton will be joining the Comets in full-capacity only when the rebranding of the Sun is complete. But even then, the ESPN writer might still assist Connecticut to some extent this year.
“Breaking: ESPN senior writer Kevin Pelton has been hired for a front office role with the Houston Comets, where he is serving as assistant GM & VP of analytics. He’ll also work with the Sun FO this season, including as the team prepares for offseason activity,” wrote Philippou.
Breaking: ESPN senior writer Kevin Pelton has been hired for a front office role with the Houston Comets, where he is serving as assistant GM & VP of analytics
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 30, 2026
He'll also work with the Sun FO this season, including as the team prepares for offseason activity
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Surely, such a move makes it evident that things are moving at a fast pace. With the WNBA receiving a boom in the past few seasons, the valuation of the Sun was a stark reminder. After all, not many women’s basketball teams in the past could reach a $300 million valuation. Meanwhile, despite Geno Auriemma’s disappointment in the sale, there are reasons to be excited about the Comets’ reinstatement.
How Rich Is Houston Comets’ WNBA Legacy?
Soon after the news of the sale hit, UConn Huskies head coach frowned about the decision. Auriemma pointed out how things are looking extremely gloomy for women’s basketball’s future in the region. However, despite the concerns, Houston’s return will bring back a lot of memories for the fans.
The league formed the Comets back in 1997 as one of its original eight WNBA teams. Led by Cynthia Cooper, Houston went on a run to win the first four WNBA championships. Dropping some stellar numbers, Cooper clinched the MVP awards in the initial couple of WNBA seasons.
Unfortunately, over time, their form declined, and in 2008, the league decided to shut down the franchise. Now, starting all over again with Pelton, the Comets are off to a good start.