Houston, TX -- (Sports Network) - The Houston Comets, who won the WNBA's first four championships (1997-2000), will cease operations later this week.

The Comets had been owned by the WNBA since the middle of last season, but because a buyer couldn't be found the team was informed by the league to shut down operations.

The Comets were originally owned by Leslie Alexander, owner of the Houston Rockets. He sold the team to a group headed by businessman Hilton Koch last year, but the league then took over the franchise.

There will reportedly be a dispersal draft next week for the players who were still under contract with the Comets.

Because of the Houston franchise ceasing operations, that leaves the WNBA with 13 clubs for the 2009 season.