Fertitta introduced as new owner of Rockets

Tilman Fertitta has been a fan of the Rockets since before they moved to Houston, and after a failed attempt to buy the team long ago he was prepared to do whatever it took not to miss another chance.

To make his dream come true, the businessman had to shell out an NBA-record $2.2 billion. And on Tuesday when he was introduced as the team's new owner, he admitted that it was worth every dime. The owner of the Landry's restaurant chain and Golden Nugget casino and hotels, he also has built several landmarks in the area including the Downtown Aquarium, the Kemah Boardwalk and the Pleasure Pier in Galveston.

The Rockets are tops to Fertitta.

"I don't want to take away anything from the great things that I've been able to build for the Houston area ... but honestly nothing compares," he said. "Nothing compares whatsoever. This is the ultimate ... you're in a club of 30. Anybody can go build a boardwalk, anybody can go build an aquarium, anybody can build tall buildings, but not everybody gets to own an NBA franchise."

Fertitta and a partner were in the running to buy the team when Leslie Alexander bought it in 1993. He's remained friends with Alexander since then, even hosting him for Thanksgiving on one occasion. Their close relationship didn't mean much when it was time to negotiate.

"When it came time to sell the team I didn't get any favors," Fertitta said. "It went back to business again."

Rockets chief executive officer Tad Brown said that they had about a dozen legitimate contenders to buy the team and that half of those could have closed the deal, but in the end it really wasn't a contest.

"This is his team and this is his town and he wanted it more," Brown said.

Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas, and has lived in Houston his entire adult life.