Sun Eliminated: 2026 WNBA Playoff Bracket & Standings Revealed
Connecticut Sun Eliminated from Playoffs in Final Season Before Houston Move
What Happened?
The Connecticut Sun’s 2025 season has officially come to an end — at least when it comes to playoff hopes. On Saturday night, the Sun lost to the New York Liberty, and that loss mathematically eliminated them from postseason contention.
Important Point: This wasn’t just any season — it’s the final season the franchise will play in Connecticut before relocating to Houston for the 2027 season.
A Quick Look at the Standings
The WNBA uses simple markers to show where teams stand:
- x- = Clinched a playoff spot
- e- = Eliminated from playoff contention
The Sun now carry that "e-" designation alongside their name.
How We Got Here: The Recent History
The Glory Years (2019–2024)
For six straight seasons, the Sun were one of the league’s most consistent contenders:
- 6 consecutive semifinal appearances
- 2 trips to the WNBA Finals (2019, 2022)
- 0 championships — they came close but never hoisted the trophy
The Coaching Change
After another semifinal exit in 2024, the front office decided to shake things up:
- Stephanie White (head coach since 2023) was let go
- Rachid Meziane was hired as the new head coach
- High hopes surrounded the change — but results haven’t followed
The Meziane Era So Far
| Season | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11–33 | Rough first year |
| 2025 | Eliminated | 10 players from 2025 roster already moved on |
Important Point: The team parted ways with 10 players from the 2025 campaign — a massive roster overhaul that signals a full rebuild.
The Final Blow: Injuries & Timing
Just when the Sun needed every win possible, star center Brittney Griner went down with a knee injury late in the season. Without her, the team’s already slim playoff hopes vanished completely.
Now, Connecticut risks finishing with fewer wins than last year’s 11–33 record — a disappointing note to end 22 seasons in New England.
What’s Next? The Houston Era Begins in 2027
The franchise isn’t folding — it’s relocating. Here’s the timeline:
- 2025 → Final season in Connecticut (currently underway)
- 2026 → Transition year (no WNBA games in Connecticut or Houston)
- 2027 → First season as the Houston franchise under new ownership
The hope? A fresh start in Texas with new leadership, a new fanbase, and a chance to finally bring a championship home.
Summary
- The Connecticut Sun are officially out of the 2025 playoffs after a loss to the New York Liberty.
- This is their last season in Connecticut before moving to Houston for the 2027 season.
- The team had a strong six-year run (2019–2024) with two Finals appearances but no title.
- A coaching change to Rachid Meziane hasn’t produced results yet — the team went 11–33 in 2024 and struggled again in 2025.
- Brittney Griner’s knee injury hurt the team’s final push.
- The franchise is rebuilding under new ownership with eyes on a fresh start in Texas.
FAQ
Q: Why are the Sun moving to Houston?
A: The franchise was sold to new ownership that wants to bring WNBA basketball to Houston, a major market without a team since the Houston Comets folded in 2008.
Q: Will the team keep the name "Sun" in Houston?
A: That hasn’t been officially announced yet. Many relocated teams rebrand (name, colors, logo) to fit their new city.
Q: What happens to the players after this season?
A: Players are under contract or will enter free agency. Many may stay with the franchise through the move, but roster turnover is common during relocations.
Q: Is 2026 a "gap year" with no team?
A: Essentially, yes. The franchise will not play in 2026 while operations transition from Connecticut to Houston.
Q: Has a WNBA team relocated before?
A: Yes! Recent examples include:
- Utah Starzz → San Antonio Stars (2003) → Las Vegas Aces (2018)
- Tulsa Shock → Dallas Wings (2016)
- The Houston Comets (1997–2008) were a founding franchise that folded — now the league returns to Houston.