12.04Sad Day for Houston Comets Fans
This is a sad day in WNBA history and women’s professional basketball. One of the corner stone teams, Houston Comets, has folded and will no longer exist but in the memories of the fans and in highlight clips.
Why did Houston Fold?
The Houston Comets ceased operations Monday after the league was unable to find a viable buyer of the franchise.
In 2006, the NBA’s Houston Rockets ended their affiliation with the Comets. The team was then sold to Hilton Koch who mismanaged the finances and the running of the business. The franchise was quickly over their head and could no longer afford regular team operations. So the WNBA took control of the team during the 2008 season but was unsuccessful in finding a buyer for the franchise.
What Happens to the Houston Comets Players?
The players will be going into a dispersal draft that will take place on Monday. Most players will be dispersed but several are unrestricted free agents and won’t be included in the draft.
And Then There Were 13
The poor health of the Comets was no secret through out the league but WNBA president Donna Orander says the Houston situation was the exception not the rule.
“I think we have very responsible owners who are very focused on running quality businesses,” she said. “I think that everyone here understands that there’s a history here that predates this economic crisis that created extremely tough challenges for the future success of the Comets and unfortunately we weren’t able to overcome them.”
As for the league, it’s growing stronger every season. A TV deal was just signed with ESPN and the league has experienced attendance gains for the second consecutive season. And lets not forget outstanding players, like Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker who continue to push the league with their talents.
A Great Franchise, the Houston Comets
- One of the first WNBA teams began in 1997
- Won the first 4 WNBA Championships
- Produced some of the leagues most heralded players, including Sheryl Swoops, Tina Thompson, and Cynthia Cooper.
Swoopes, who played 11 seasons with Houston before signing with the Storm last season, was disappointed.
“I am saddened by today’s news regarding the Houston Comets,” Swoopes said in a statement. “Having been a part of the team, one of the WNBA’s first, for the majority of my career I can’t help but think of the rich basketball history created there with the first four championships. I will always feel a deep connection with the city of Houston and Comets fans and would like to thank them for their support and passion over the years. While this situation is unfortunate, I am focused on and excited about the 2009 WNBA season.”
Links: seattlepi.com
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