Brittney Griner is Coming Home: Signs Deal With Sun, Which Will Relocate To Houston in 2027
The WNBA is currently a whirlwind of "new." New TV deals, new seven-figure contracts, and now, the most poetic full-circle moment in the history of the league: Brittney Griner is coming home.
The news that Griner has signed a blockbuster deal with the Connecticut Sun is a massive win for a franchise coming off a difficult 11-33 season.
The Prodigal Daughter Returns
For Brittney Griner, the move to the Sun is more than a free-agency pivot after her stint with the Atlanta Dream. It is a homecoming. Griner is a Houston native and a Baylor legend.
There is something profoundly right about Griner—one of the most dominant and resilient figures in basketball history—leading the charge to revive a legacy as storied as the Comets.
Reviving a Dynasty
The Houston Comets weren't just a team; they were the WNBA’s first dynasty, winning the first four championships in league history.
By bringing the Sun to Houston, Tilman Fertitta isn't just buying a team; he’s buying back a piece of the city’s soul. Rebranding as the Comets is a masterstroke of nostalgia and business.
The Fertitta Factor: As the owner of the Rockets, Fertitta has the infrastructure and the checkbook to elevate this team instantly.
The Venue: Moving from the Mohegan Sun Arena to the Toyota Center places the team in a top-tier NBA market.
The Identity: The "Sun" never quite felt like a Texas brand. The "Comets" brand is legendary.
A New Financial Frontier
We also have to talk about the contract. Reports indicate Griner’s deal is in the seven-figure range, a milestone made possible by the league’s recently ratified collective bargaining agreement.
"Griner's seven-figure contract is emblematic of this new era... the league’s stars are finally being compensated in line with their contributions."
In 2026, the WNBA salary cap has jumped to $7 million (up from just $1.5 million in 2025). Seeing a veteran like Griner command a $1 million+ salary isn't just good for her; it’s a signal to the world that the WNBA is no longer a "charity" or a "startup." It is a powerhouse.
The 2026 "Farewell" Tour
The 2026 season will be bittersweet for Connecticut fans. They get to watch a Hall of Fame talent in BG, but they also have to say goodbye to a team that has been a pillar of the New England sports scene since 2003.
However, sports is often about the next horizon. While Connecticut prepares for its swan song, Houston is already clearing space in the rafters. The Comets are coming back, and they’re bringing the biggest star in the world with them.
Welcome home, BG. And welcome back, Comets.
Post a Comment