Comets for sale

Sadly, I can't say that this is a surprise.

Comets owner Hilton Koch is putting the WNBA franchise up for sale less than two years after he bought it.

Donna Orender said in a phone interview Friday night that the WNBA is going to do everything in its power to keep the Comets in Houston.

"The Comets are one of the original teams and have been one of the most successful," Orender said. "They are really a part of that city now, and we want to see them remain there."

Orender did not give a specific date but said Koch recently contacted the WNBA about wanting to sell the team. He did not give specific reasons but has been involved in meetings and has plans to help with the process, Orender said.

While there isn't a specific buyer in mind, Orender said city officials believe the people of Houston will step up to keep the Comets around.

Other than beat the bushes to find some prospects for Koch to call, I can't think of anything the city (or the county; Ed Emmett was mentioned in the print version of this story, as well as in Jenny Dial's blog post, but oddly not in this version) could - or should - be doing to keep the franchise here. And I say that as a longtime fan and season ticket holder. I hate the idea of the Comets moving, but if they can't succeed here, then let them find someplace where they can.

The Comets moved to Reliant Arena this year and have sold out three of their last four games. They are on a seven-game home winning streak.

The crowds have been better lately, though those "sellouts" still come with a lot of empty seats. Personally, I think the move to Reliant was terrible for the team. It's a lousy facility with crappy amenities. Going to a game there just doesn't feel like attending a major league sporting event. If there's any way to get the team back to the Toyota Center, that would be great even if the crowds look smaller there. I just can't see how playing at Reliant is a long-term winner for the franchise.

I received an email from owner Hilton Koch about his plans to sell, which he sent to all season ticket holders. It's beneath the fold for you perusal. I sure hope this has a happy ending.

Dear Comets fans and supporters,

As you may have heard, the WNBA, Mayor Bill White and I are working diligently to find a new owner or ownership group for the Houston Comets. I wanted to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude at having had the opportunity to be an integral part of this storied franchise and thank you for the continued support that has made the Comets such an integral part of the wonderful Houston community.

As a longtime Comets fan and season-ticket holder, I understand and appreciate the significance of this team to the city of Houston and the WNBA. Since the league's 1997 tip-off, the Comets have been core to the exponential growth of women's basketball. By winning the WNBA's first four titles, the team established itself as one of professional sports' great modern dynasties and became a point of civic pride for Houston.

The fact that the energy, passion and commitment of Houston's tremendous fan base no doubt ignited much of this success is something I was keenly aware of prior to purchasing the club. My tenure as owner has only served to enhance my longstanding admiration for the extraordinary atmosphere that takes over the stands at Comets games.

As we work to find an owner that will uphold the Comets' tradition and guide this organization to great heights once again, please be assured that absolutely nothing about the experience of attending Comets games will change. The team is in the midst of a winning season and will be back home after the Olympic break to deliver more thrilling basketball action. Your support to date has led to an 11-2 home record, the second best such mark in the WNBA. The players will be counting on your energy and passion to help them secure a playoff berth.

Thank you for all the support that you have given the Comets before and during my tenure. My experience owning this team has been a great thrill, and I will continue to sit alongside you in the stands and cheer on our team.

Sincerely,

Hilton Koch

Posted by Charles Kuffner on August 09, 2008 to Other sports