Rockets sold to restaurant mogul Fertitta for US$2.2bn

HOUSTON: The Houston Rockets have been bought by US restaurant tycoon Tilman Fertitta in a record-breaking US$2.2 billion deal (73 billion baht), the highest amount ever paid for an NBA franchise.

Fertitta, a Houston-based billionaire, was one of several potential buyers circling the Rockets, who had been put up for sale by owner Leslie Alexander.

“I am truly honoured to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets,” Fertitta said in a release from the team.

“This is a life-long dream come true. Leslie Alexander has been one of the best owners in all of sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity.

“He has the heart of a champion.” Alexander, 73, bought the franchise for just $85 million (2.82 billion baht) in 1993.

Forb es had valued the franchise in February at $1.65 billion (54.7 billion baht), making it the eighth most-valuable in the league, with revenues of $244 million (8.1 billion baht).

“It’s been my great joy and honour t o own the Houston Rockets for the past 24 years,” Alexander said.

“I’ve had the incredible opportunity to witness true greatness through the players and coaches who have won championships for the city, been named to All-Star and AllNBA teams, enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and done so much for our franchise and our fans.”

Fertitta, the head of Landry’s Inc, a company which includes restaurants, casinos and hotels in its portfolio, has dabbled in sports ownership before.

He was forced to sell a stake in the Houston Texans NFL team when he completed a purchase of the Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas.

Alexander, whose reign included NBA title triumphs in 1994 and 1995, said he planned to remain active in Houston.

“The Houston community has been home to me,” Alexander said. “I will continue to support the charities I have made commitments to throughout the years.

“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the fans, partners, city officials and employees who care so deeply for this team.

“I’ve made this decision after much deliberation with my family and friends, and do so knowing the franchise is in great shape with the players, coaches and management team in place,” added Alexander, who last week donated $4 million (132 million baht) towards the Hurricane Harvey relief effort.