Sydney Colson Eyes 2027 WNBA Comeback: ‘Dream is Houston’
Sydney Colson: WNBA Star Takes a Timeout to Chase Comedy Dreams (and a Houston Comeback)
Updated: August 20, 2026
Source: Interview with USA TODAY’s Studio IX (Callie Fin & Meghan L. Hall)
Who Is Sydney Colson? (The Kid-Friendly Version)
Imagine a basketball player who:
- Won two WNBA championships (the top women’s basketball league in the U.S.)
- Played for 11 years as a professional
- Is 37 years old (that’s old for a pro athlete!)
- Tore her ACL (a major knee ligament) in August 2025
- Now does stand-up comedy, podcasts, and movie producing while healing
That’s Sydney Colson! She last played for the Indiana Fever backing up superstar Caitlin Clark. But right now? She’s living in New York, riding the subway, and making people laugh.
What Happened? A Quick Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 7, 2025 | Tore ACL playing for Indiana Fever |
| 2025 Season | Started 6 games when Caitlin Clark was injured |
| Early 2026 | Became a free agent (no team contract) |
| All 2026 | Focused on recovery + creative projects |
| 2027 Goal | Hopes to play for Houston’s new WNBA team |
What "Staying Ready" Looks Like Now
"I’m living in New York, pursuing some stand-up comedy dreams… and obviously still recording the Unsupervised Podcast with Theresa Plaisance." — Sydney Colson
Her Typical Day Includes:
- Stand-up comedy open mics and shows
- Podcast recording with former teammate Theresa Plaisance
- Riding the NYC subway (and trying not to get lost!)
- Gym workouts — but lighter than usual
- Brand partnerships (like Secret deodorant at All-Star Weekend)
Important Callout:
She’s taking the whole year off from basketball.
"I’m older, so I’m like, ‘Let me take the entire year.’ I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I could be back when the team comes to Houston next season."
Why Houston? A Full-Circle Dream
Sydney’s Houston wish isn’t random — it’s personal history:
- Born and raised there
- Grew up watching the Houston Comets win 4 championships in a row (1997–2000)
- Third-grade journal entry: "I want to play in the WNBA for the Comets"
- Lives there in the offseason
"It’s going to be something very, very full circle if that’s able to happen."
Fun Fact: Houston is getting a new WNBA expansion team (likely reviving the Comets name) for the 2027 season — perfect timing for Sydney’s return!
Her Take on the WNBA’s "Growing Pains"
The league is getting way more attention lately — some good, some… intense. Sydney compares it to what happened in the NBA:
What She Sees Happening:
- Globalization = more international players joining
- More fans = more opinions (including from people who aren’t real fans)
- More negativity = "par for the course" when you get big
- Her brother’s story: Two years ago, men at his job never talked WNBA. Now? Heated debates at lunch.
"When you see [celebrity] fan bases grow and they have stans… or people committed to hating them. It’s just kind of par for the course."
Her Advice:
- Ignore some negativity
- Address what actually matters
- Don’t entertain all of it
"If I Were Commissioner…" — Sydney’s Priorities
"I would prioritize the players, their safety, and the product."
Her 3-Point Plan:
| Priority | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 1. Players | "Without the players, there is no product." |
| 2. Player Safety | Unsafe conditions = bad product on the court |
| 3. The Product | The game itself — quality, presentation, experience |
"When [players’ concerns aren’t heard], trust is lost if that trust was ever had to begin with."
(Reference to CBA = Collective Bargaining Agreement — the contract between players and the league)
New Gig: Sports Broadcasting on Prime Video
Sydney debuted as a broadcaster just weeks before this interview!
The Backstory:
- College dream: Wanted to be a sports reporter/color commentator at Texas A&M
- Kept playing → put broadcasting on hold
- Later wanted: Acting → Stand-up comedy
- Mom’s advice: "Stop dismissing stuff. Some things come around because they’re part of a bigger plan."
- Result: Said yes when her agent called → Had a blast in the studio!
"I’m gonna just put my best foot forward, be myself."
Most Exciting Creative Project: "Courtside"
A queer rom-com movie where Sydney is Executive Producer!
Why She’s Pumped:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Dream team | Director Carly Usdin (worked together on The Syd and TP Show) |
| Top-tier writer | Brittany Nichols — wrote for Abbott Elementary & A Black Lady Sketch Show |
| Learning mode | "I’m new in this space, soaking up knowledge, meeting people" |
| WNBA cameos! | "Miss those days of seeing WNBA players in pop culture… cool to see it in a movie" |
Summary: What’s Next for Sydney Colson?
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Knee Recovery | Taking full 2026 off; targeting 2027 return |
| Target Team | Houston expansion team (childhood dream) |
| Comedy | Stand-up + Unsupervised Podcast in NYC |
| Broadcasting | Debuted on Prime Video; open to more |
| Film/TV | Executive Producing Courtside (queer rom-com with WNBA cameos) |
| Mindset | "Be myself," stay ready, enjoy the journey |
Bottom Line: Sydney Colson isn’t just waiting to play again — she’s building a whole second career while she heals. And if all goes well, she’ll lace ’em up in Houston in 2027 for the full-circle moment of a lifetime.
FAQ: Your Questions, Answered
1. What’s an ACL tear, and why does it take so long to heal?
ELI5: The ACL is a rubber-band-like strap inside your knee that keeps it stable. When it snaps, surgery + 9–12 months of rehab are usually needed before you can safely jump, cut, and sprint again — especially at pro-athlete speed.
2. What’s a "free agent" in the WNBA?
ELI5: A player whose contract ended and who can sign with any team — like being single and able to date anyone! Sydney became one in 2026 while injured.
3. What’s the "Unsupervised Podcast"?
ELI5: A show Sydney co-hosts with her friend/former teammate Theresa Plaisance. They talk basketball, life, and whatever else — unsupervised means no bosses telling them what to say!
4. What’s an "expansion team"?
ELI5: A brand-new team joining the league. Houston had the Comets (1997–2008, 4 titles), then lost them. Now the WNBA is adding a new Houston team for 2027 — likely bringing the Comets name back!
5. What does "Executive Producer" mean for a movie?
ELI5: You’re a big-picture boss — not directing daily scenes, but helping get the movie made: finding money, hiring key people, giving creative input. Sydney’s using her name, connections, and vision to help Courtside happen.
Want the Full Conversation?
Watch/listen to the complete Studio IX podcast interview here:
Studio IX Podcast with Sydney Colson
Article based on USA TODAY Studio IX interview. Edited for clarity and ELI5 readability. All quotes preserved from original source.