The Houston Rockets have a new owner.
Tilman J. Fertitta agreed to buy the team for $2.2 billion, according to multiple reports.
Sources: Leslie Alexander has agreed to a deal to sell team to Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta for NBA record sales price of $2.2B.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 5, 2017
"I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets. This is a life-long dream come true," Fertitta, a native of Galveston and life-long resident of the Houston area, said in a statement released by the team. "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.
"Lastly, out of respect for the NBA's approval process, I can say no more other than I am overwhelmed with emotion to have this opportunity in my beloved city of Houston."
Back in February, Forbes valued the Rockets at $1.65 billion -- the eighth highest valuation in the NBA.
Sports
In 2014, Steve Ballmer bought the Clippers for an NBA-record $2 billion.
The ownership group led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber bought the Warriors for $450 million in 2010.
The franchise is now worth an estimated $2.6 billion (a low figure considering it came several months before the Warriors won the 2017 title).
Golden State and Houston face off in the regular season opener on Oct. 17.
