HOUSTON – Houston business mogul Tilman Fertitta is set to buy the Houston Rockets, according to a press release issued by the team Tuesday.
The $2.2 billion deal, which includes operation of the Toyota Center Arena, is pending approval by the league. If it goes through, that would be the most money a team has ever been sold for in NBA history.
The price surpasses the $2 billion Steve Ballmer paid for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014.
Fertitta, a Galveston native who runs a restaurant and casino empire, expressed interest in the team shortly after current owner Les Alexander announced the team was up for sale in July.
"I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets. This is a life-long dream come true," he said. "Leslie Alexander has been one of the best owners in all of sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity ... I am overwhelmed with emotion to have this opportunity in my beloved city of Houston."
Fertitta will be the team's sole owner. He is the owner of the Landry's restaurant chain and Golden Nugget casino and hotels. He has lived in Houston his entire adult life. The 60-year-old billionaire is the chairman of the board of regents of the University of Houston System and star of the reality show "Billion Dollar Buyer" on CNBC.
Alexander has owned the Rockets since 1993, and has netted two NBA Championships during his tenure.
Alexander, who announced the team was for sale in July, took over as owner on July 30, 1993, and the Rockets went on to win back-to-back titles in 1994-95 behind the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. In 24 seasons under Alexander, the Rockets have won 56.9 percent of their games, fifth-highest in the league.
"I am excited to welcome and pass the torch to Tilman," Alexander said. "He is a Houstonian, business leader and committed to the success and excellence of the Rockets both on and off the basketball court. I have personally known Tilman for over 24 years and don't think I could have found anyone more capable of continuing the winning tradition of our Houston Rockets."
The 74-year-old Alexander decided to sale the team to spend more time with family and working on his charitable endeavors.
Alexander recently donated $10 million to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
