Houston Comets

Houston Comets. The Houston Comets were a professional Women's National Basketball Association franchise based in Houston, Texas, and were one of the league's eight original teams. Under the leadership of head coach Van Chancellor and featuring stars like Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, the Comets dominated the early years of the WNBA, winning the first four championships consecutively. The team ceased operations in December 2008 after financial struggles and a failed attempt to find new ownership.

History

The franchise was established in 1997 as part of the inaugural season of the Women's National Basketball Association, a landmark moment for professional women's sports in North America. The team quickly became a powerhouse, drafting foundational players Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson and signing international star Cynthia Cooper, who became the league's first superstar. Led by coach Van Chancellor, the Comets captured the first WNBA Finals title in 1997, defeating the New York Liberty in the championship game. The team's success continued unabated, creating a dynasty that defined the league's early era and brought unprecedented attention to women's basketball. Following years of declining attendance and financial losses after the retirement of its core stars, owner Hilton Koch announced the team would be folded in December 2008 when a sale to new investors could not be finalized.

Championships and achievements

The Comets' greatest achievement was winning four consecutive WNBA Championships from 1997 through 2000, a feat unmatched in league history. They appeared in the WNBA Finals in each of their first four seasons, establishing a standard of excellence. The team also secured four Western Conference championships during that same period. Individually, Cynthia Cooper was named WNBA Finals MVP for all four championship runs and won two WNBA MVP awards (1997, 1998). Sheryl Swoopes earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards and an MVP award in 2000, while Tina Thompson became the WNBA's first overall draft pick in 1997 and was a perennial All-Star.

Notable players

The franchise was built around its "Big Three" of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson, all of whom were later enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Cooper, a dynamic scoring guard, was the league's first true icon and its premier clutch performer. Swoopes, a versatile forward, was renowned for her defensive prowess and all-around game. Thompson, a skilled power forward, held the league's all-time scoring record for many years. Other key contributors included point guard Kim Perrot, whose inspirational battle with cancer was a defining story for the early team, and later stars such as Janeth Arcain of Brazil and Michelle Snow. The team's culture of winning was heavily influenced by the leadership of coach Van Chancellor.

Home arenas

For their first seven seasons, the Comets played at the Compaq Center (originally known as The Summit), a historic venue that also housed the Houston Rockets. In 2004, the team moved to the state-of-the-art Toyota Center, sharing the facility with the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association. For their final season in 2008, the team relocated to the smaller Reliant Arena (now NRG Arena) located within the NRG Park complex, a move made to reduce operating costs amid declining ticket sales and financial uncertainty.

Legacy and impact

The Houston Comets left an indelible mark on women's sports, proving the viability and marketability of a professional women's basketball league in the United States. Their dynasty provided the Women's National Basketball Association with a compelling narrative of excellence that helped secure the league's foothold during its precarious early years. The team inspired a generation of young athletes and elevated the profiles of its star players into mainstream recognition. The Comets' sudden dissolution in 2008 was a significant loss for the league and the city of Houston, serving as a cautionary tale about the financial challenges in women's professional sports. Their legacy is permanently honored, as the core trio of Cooper, Swoopes, and Thompson are celebrated as pioneers who transformed the landscape of basketball. Category:WNBA teams Category:Sports in Houston, Texas Category:Defunct basketball teams in the United States