Rizzotti and Tuck to Lead Sun Franchise in Move to Houston

Leadership Stays Intact for Houston Move

The Connecticut Sun are heading to Houston this offseason, and their top basketball executives are going with them. Jen Rizzotti will transition to president of basketball operations, and Morgan Tuck will continue in her role as general manager.

The move marks the end of an era in Connecticut. The Sun played their final game in Uncasville, defeating the Toronto Tempo 95-81. Now, the focus shifts entirely to Texas.

Rebuilding Through Youth

The franchise entered a major rebuild in 2025 after losing their entire starting five. This year, the roster leaned heavily on young players, featuring five rookies and four second-year players.

The team is also in a position to secure a high lottery pick in the 2027 draft. That draft could feature top college stars like JuJu Watkins, Madison Booker, and Hannah Hidalgo.

Rizzotti pointed out that other successful teams built their rosters this way. "High draft picks are what have allowed Vegas and Indiana and Dallas to take the strides that they've taken to be successful in this league," she said.

A Major Market Upgrade

The Fertitta family, owners of the NBA's Houston Rockets, purchased the Sun in March for 300 million dollars. In Houston, the team will share resources with the Rockets.

This is a massive shift from Connecticut, one of the smallest markets in professional sports. The Mohegan tribe originally bought the franchise in 2003, moving the team from Orlando.

Rizzotti believes the big city will attract players. She noted that playing in an NBA arena and a major market offers better facilities, marketing opportunities, and entertainment for the roster.

Looking to the Future

Tuck said decisions about other basketball staff joining the team in Houston will happen over the next few weeks. She and Rizzotti will also evaluate which players to build around.

The move is a homecoming of sorts for Rizzotti. While she has deep Connecticut roots, she also won two championships playing for the Houston Comets in 1999 and 2000. She is excited to return to Houston and start preparing for the 2027 season.