The Connecticut Sun are gearing up for a season that feels both like an ending and a new beginning. As the franchise prepares for its relocation to Houston—where it will be reborn as the Comets in 2027—the 2026 roster is built for one final, memorable run in Connecticut. After a franchise-worst .250 winning percentage last season, the Sun are ready to turn the page with a refreshed lineup and renewed energy.
Last year’s struggles were part of a deliberate rebuild, but that chapter is now closed. The team has moved on from key contributors like Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles, making way for a fresh mix of proven veterans and hungry young talent. The biggest headline? The arrival of Brittney Griner, a two-time WNBA champion and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Griner, who averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game with the Dream last season, brings an imposing interior presence that changes the Sun’s entire defensive and offensive identity. Her next chapter is one worth watching closely.
Griner isn’t the only new face. The Sun recently took a flier on former first-round pick Hailey Van Lith, a young guard who struggled to find a consistent role with the Sky in 2025. If she can tap into her potential, she could be a valuable backcourt asset. The returning core is also intriguing: Leila Lacan leads the group as the top returning scorer (10.4 points per game), though she and first-round pick Nell Angloma are temporarily suspended due to overseas obligations and are expected to join the team early in the season. Other key returners include Aaliyah Edwards, Aneesah Morrow, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Saniya Rivers—all players who showed flashes of promise last year.
Head coach Rachid Meziane returns for his second season after a tough 11-33 debut. He took over following Stephanie White’s departure (now coaching the Fever) and has a chance to prove that last year’s record was a foundation, not a ceiling. With a roster that blends Griner’s championship pedigree, young athleticism, and a few wild cards, the Sun have the tools to make a leap in 2026. Can they end their Connecticut era with a playoff push? The pieces are in place for an exciting final act.