The early years of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) were largely defined by the unparalleled success of one team: the Houston Comets. From the league's inaugural season in 1997 through the turn of the millennium in 2000, the Comets established themselves as the WNBA's first true dynasty. Their dominance not only secured multiple championships but also set a high standard for competitive excellence in the nascent league. This period
saw the Comets achieve records that still stand, driven by a core group of star players who became synonymous with WNBA greatness.
Inaugural Season Success and Early Dominance
The Houston Comets were one of the founding teams of the WNBA, and they wasted no time in making their mark. In the league's very first season in 1997, the Comets capped off the inaugural year by defeating the New York Liberty in the WNBA championship game, securing the league's first-ever title. This initial victory immediately positioned them as a formidable force.
The following season, 1998, saw the league expand, and the Comets were moved from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference. This shift did not deter their momentum. In fact, they achieved an astonishing 27-3 record, which translated to a .900 winning percentage—a WNBA record that remains unbroken. They continued their championship run by defeating the Phoenix Mercury in the first-ever WNBA Finals, which had evolved into a three-game championship series, solidifying their status as back-to-back champions.
The "Big Three" and Overcoming Adversity
The Comets' success in the late 1990s was largely attributed to their core group of star players, often referred to as the "Big Three": Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. These athletes formed the backbone of the team, providing consistent high-level performance and leadership. Their collective talent was instrumental in navigating challenging moments and securing further titles.
In 1999, the Comets faced a significant test against the New York Liberty. They survived a memorable last-second, half-court buzzer-beater by the Liberty's Teresa Weatherspoon in Game 2, a shot that momentarily threatened their championship aspirations. Despite this dramatic moment, the Comets ultimately triumphed over the Liberty in three games, clinching their third consecutive title. This victory was particularly poignant as it came after the tragic death of their teammate Kim Perrot, who succumbed to cancer, adding an emotional layer to their achievement.
Cementing a Legacy: Four Consecutive Titles
The year 2000 marked the culmination of the Comets' dynastic run. Led by league MVP Sheryl Swoopes and eventual WNBA Finals MVP Cynthia Cooper, the team once again faced the New York Liberty in the championship series. This time, the Comets secured the title in a decisive two-game sweep, earning their fourth consecutive championship. This historic achievement firmly cemented their place as arguably the greatest WNBA team ever assembled during that era.
This fourth championship also marked the end of an era for the Houston Comets. It was their last championship and their final appearance in the WNBA Finals in franchise history. The team's remarkable four-year reign established a benchmark for excellence and left an indelible mark on the league's early narrative. Their consistent success, record-setting performances, and the star power of their key players created a legacy that continues to be recognized in WNBA history.
The Comets' Enduring Impact and Future Revival
The original Houston Comets disbanded in December 2008, marking the end of an influential chapter in WNBA history. However, the legacy of their early dominance has remained a significant part of the league's story. Their four championships are tied for the most titles by any team in WNBA history, alongside the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm.
In a significant development for the future, it was announced on March 27, 2026, that the Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets, agreed to purchase the Connecticut Sun. The plan is to relocate the team to Houston and rename them the Houston Comets, with play scheduled to begin in 2027. While the team history of the Connecticut Sun will follow the organization to Houston, this move signifies a revival of the Comets name, bringing back a storied franchise name to the city where the WNBA's first dynasty was built.
