The Houston Comets history stands as one of the most iconic chapters in women’s professional sports. As a dominant force in the WNBA, the Houston Comets basketball team captured multiple titles and shaped the league’s early identity. Their success and impact left a lasting legacy on fans and future generations of athletes.
Established
1997
City
Houston
League History
1997 – 2008 / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
1997 – 2008 / Houston Comets
Nickname
Comets – The Houston Comets are one of the most iconic teams in women’s basketball, and their nickname has become synonymous with excellence. But where did it come from?
Houston Comets Origin
It all started in 1997 when the Houston Comets were founded as part of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was named after NASA's comet-hunting spacecraft, which had been launched a few years earlier. This gave them an extra boost of excitement and popularity right out of the gate.
In addition to being inspired by space exploration, many people believe that "Comet" is also a nod to legendary player Cynthia Cooper, nicknamed "the Comet." She led her University Of Southern California Trojans team to two NCAA championships before joining forces with Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson on the original Houston Comets roster. It seemed only fitting that such an incredible player should be honored by having her nickname associated with this new powerhouse franchise!
As time passed, fans began associating “Houston” more closely with success than ever due to its association with championship-winning teams like The Rockets and Astros – making “Houston Comets” even more special for sports fans across Texas! Today they remain one of WNBA's premier franchises - thanks in no small part due to their unique name, which perfectly captures both their origins & spirit!
Championship
WNBA Championships 4
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Arena
2008 / Reliant Arena
2004 – 2007 / Toyota Center
1997 – 2003 / Compaq Center
Owner
2008 / WNBA
2007 – 2008 / Hilton Koch
1997 – 2006 / Leslie Alexander
- 1997
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- 2008
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Comets Team Creation
The Comets were one of the founding teams in the WNBA. Houston is still clearly a basketball city. -
WNBA Championship 1997
They capped off the league’s inaugural season in 1997 with a win over the New York Liberty in the WNBA championship game to win the WNBA’s first championship. -
WNBA Championship 1998
When the league expanded the next season, the Comets were moved from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference. In 1998, they put together a win-loss record of 27-3 for a .900 winning percentage – a WNBA record that still stands. They went on to repeat as champions, defeating the Phoenix Mercury in the first-ever WNBA Finals that year due ... -
WNBA Championship 1999
In 1999, led by what was already known as the Big Three, (Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson), the Comets survived a highlight-film, last-second, court-to-court, game-winning shot by the Liberty’s Teresa Weatherspoon in Game 2 of the finals to beat the Liberty in three games and win their third straight title, this one after the death of teammate Kim ... -
WNBA Championship 2000
In 2000, the Comets went all the way to the Finals again and beat the Liberty in two games to win their fourth title in a row. 2000 was the Comets’ last championship and last WNBA Finals appearance in franchise history. -
End of the Comets
In 2008, Koch put the team up for sale, with an asking price of $10 million. No investors stepped up. The WNBA took over the management of the Comets and disbanded the team in December 2008. They stated that they would only be suspending operations in 2009, which some people saw as a sign that the franchise could be revived ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Houston Comets History
The Houston Comets history began in 1997 as one of the original eight teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The franchise quickly set the standard for excellence. During their inaugural season, the Houston Comets basketball team achieved an incredible 27 wins and captured the league’s first WNBA Championship title, setting the tone for years of dominance.
Led by legends Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and coach Van Chancellor, the Houston Comets basketball dynasty earned four consecutive championships from 1997 to 2000 — a record still unmatched in league history. Beyond the court, the Comets sold out every home game during their championship run and were named “Team of the Year” three times between 1998 and 2000 by major sports publications.
Throughout the Houston Comets history, the franchise had a major impact on women’s basketball in Texas and across the nation. Their success brought visibility to female athletes and inspired opportunities for young girls to play at every level — from high school and college to professional leagues like today’s WNBA. Even after ceasing operations in 2008 due to financial challenges, the team’s legacy remains strong.
Comets Achievements
Among their key achievements, the Houston Comets basketball team produced multiple MVPs, All-Stars, and Finals MVPs, including Cynthia Cooper winning the league’s first two MVP awards. They also posted some of the best winning percentages in WNBA history and became the blueprint for future franchises. The Houston Comets history stands as a symbol of excellence, teamwork, and growth in women’s professional sports.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Houston Fans
10 / Kim Perrot
14 / Cynthia Cooper
*Blue is this team’s history