HOUSTON, April 27 – The Houston Comets announced today that Van Chancellor has signed a contract extension as the team’s Head Coach and General Manager.

“During the past nine years, Van has done a great job shaping the Comets into one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA,” said Comets Executive Vice President of Basketball Carroll Dawson. “He has dedicated a lot of time, effort and hard work into making the Comets a competitive team every year, and we’re fortunate to have a coach of his caliber.”

Chancellor, who is the only head coach in the WNBA to have been with his original team since the league’s inception in 1997, has received numerous accolades over the years. He earned WNBA Coach of the Year honors three consecutive seasons (1997, 1998, 1999) and was named head coach of the Western Conference All-Star Team three straight years (1999, 2000, 2001).

“I am very excited to be returning as Head Coach and General Manager of the Houston Comets. I’ve enjoyed nine wonderful years in Houston, and I look forward to making the tenth year the best I’ve ever had,” Chancellor said. “We’re putting together a very competitive team this season, and I believe the fans are going to really enjoy what they see from us at Toyota Center this summer.”

In nine seasons with the Comets, Chancellor owns more wins than any coach in WNBA history with a 193-95 (.670) regular season mark and a 20-12 (.625) record in the playoffs. Chancellor’s Comets seized the first four WNBA Championships and were the only team in the league to qualify for the playoffs in each of the first seven WNBA seasons.

This season will mark the 10th Anniversary for the Comets and the WNBA, making it the longest-running professional women’s league in history. The 2006 season will tip off at Toyota Center on May 21 when the Comets host the San Antonio Silver Stars. To purchase season tickets, mini-plans or group tickets, call (713) 627-WNBA or go online at www.houstoncomets.com.