Comets sold to Hilton Koch

Koch is owner and president of Hilton Furniture and Mattress. He is known for his marketing prowess and for growing his company into one of the city’s most successful and recognizable businesses, while garnering national media attention along the way for his popular and memorable advertising campaigns.

"In my life journey, I have always prayed that God places me in situations that allow me to have a powerful and positive impact in the community and on people’s lives," said Koch. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I plan to take full advantage of it. The number one reason for me to be involved with the WNBA and the Houston Comets is to give back to the Houston community."

The Comets, who have won four WNBA titles, will continue to be based in Houston and play at the Toyota Center.

"I’d like to thank Leslie Alexander and the entire Rocket Ball organization for their commitment to the WNBA and for setting such high standards since the league’s inception," said WNBA president Donna Orender. "I am confident that Hilton and his vision for the Houston Comets and his passion for the team and the community will continue to elevate the high standards that have been set."

The Comets are the fifth team to be purchased by an independent ownership group since the NBA Board of Governors approved the transition from operating agreements with NBA teams in October 2002. The Connecticut Sun (The Mohegan Sun), Washington Mystics (Lincoln Holdings), Chicago Sky (Michael Alter) and Los Angeles Sparks (Carla Christofferson and Katherine Goodman) are the other teams.

Recently, the WNBA team Charlotte folded when an independent investor could not be found.