Could Houston be next to land a WNBA franchise? Rockets owner shows interest

The WNBA is booming. According to ESPN, the league announced Friday afternoon that Toronto would join in 2026. Two additional franchises would also join. Could expansion lead to Houston getting a ballclub?

According to Houston Chronicle In April, Houston could return to the WNBA shortly after Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta announced his interest.

“I feel like WNBA expansion will always work better and have a better chance of success in a city like Houston, where the Rockets are one of the strongest teams from a financial standpoint” , Fertitta said in an interview with the Houston Chronicles. “I think I would probably be the natural owner.”

Women’s basketball has grown in popularity over the past two years due to the emergence of Angel Reese and Katelyn Clark. Both players entered the league selected near the top of the 2024 WNBA Draft in April — headlined by Clark, who went No. 1 overall to the Indiana Fever. Reese was drafted No. 7 by the Chicago Sky.

The 2008 season marked the last time Houston competed in the WNBA. The Houston Comets played their final season and finished with a 17-17 record before folding. The Comets established themselves as the league’s first dynasty, winning four straight titles from 1997 to 2000.

Houston was led by arguably the best core group in league history. The Comets had a Big 3 of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson – who are still considered among the greatest players in league history.

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