The Houston Rockets are a privately owned professional basketball franchise competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Based in Houston, Texas, the team is part of the Western Conference Southwest Division.
Founded in 1967 (originally as the San Diego Rockets) by Robert Breitbard, the team relocated to Houston in 1971. Known for winning two NBA Championships (1994 and 1995) and producing legends like Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming, and James Harden, the franchise is one of the most recognized teams in the league.
As of October 2025, the Houston Rockets are owned by Tilman J. Fertitta, who purchased the team in 2017. Fertitta is also the CEO of Landry’s, Inc. and Fertitta Entertainment.
Ownership Status of Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are a privately owned franchise, meaning there are no public shareholders or institutional investors involved. The team is owned solely by Tilman J. Fertitta, who acquired it from the previous owner Leslie Alexander in 2017.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tilman J. Fertitta | 100% (Majority Owner) | Purchased the team for $2.2 billion in 2017 from Leslie Alexander. Controls operations via Fertitta Entertainment Inc. |
| (No other shareholders) | – | The team is privately owned under Fertitta’s full control. |
Note: The Houston Rockets are not publicly traded, and there are no institutional or mutual fund shareholders.
About Tilman J. Fertitta
Tilman Joseph Fertitta is an American billionaire businessman, television personality, and philanthropist. Born on June 25, 1957, in Galveston, Texas, he began his career in the restaurant business before expanding into casinos, entertainment, and professional sports.
Fertitta is the Chairman, CEO, and sole shareholder of Fertitta Entertainment Inc., the parent company of Landry’s, Inc. and Golden Nugget Casinos. He became the sole owner of the Houston Rockets after acquiring the franchise in 2017 for $2.2 billion—one of the largest transactions in NBA history.
Beyond sports, he gained recognition as the host of the CNBC show “Billion Dollar Buyer,” where he showcased his business acumen. Known for his sharp leadership and commitment to Houston’s economic growth, Fertitta is considered a symbol of entrepreneurial success in Texas.
Tilman J. Fertitta Net Worth
As of 2025, Tilman Fertitta’s net worth is estimated at approximately $9 – $10 billion, according to Forbes. His wealth stems from his ownership of Landry’s, Inc., which includes a portfolio of renowned restaurant chains, luxury hotels, and gaming properties across the United States.
He also owns The Post Oak Hotel, a five-star property in Houston, and several Golden Nugget Casino Resorts in multiple states. His financial success has earned him a consistent spot among America’s richest individuals and one of the wealthiest NBA team owners.
Fertitta continues to invest in sports, real estate, and hospitality ventures, further expanding his diversified empire.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Tilman J. Fertitta is the sole owner and governor of the Houston Rockets.
- He is also the CEO of Landry’s, Inc., a global hospitality group operating restaurants, casinos, and hotels.
- Fertitta is ranked among the wealthiest NBA owners, with Forbes estimating his net worth at around $9–10 billion (2025).
- His company also owns major brands like Golden Nugget Casinos, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Recent Developments in Ownership
There have been no ownership changes since Tilman Fertitta’s acquisition in 2017.
In 2025, Fertitta was confirmed as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, but he retained ownership of the Rockets. He announced that he would remain an inactive day-to-day owner to avoid conflicts with his ambassadorial duties.
No official filings or announcements suggest any change in team ownership as of October 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Houston Rockets?
The Houston Rockets are owned by Tilman J. Fertitta, who purchased the team in 2017 for $2.2 billion.
2. Is the Houston Rockets team publicly traded or privately owned?
The team is privately owned, not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded the Houston Rockets?
The franchise was founded by Robert Breitbard in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
No. Tilman Fertitta has remained the sole owner since 2017, with no major changes reported in ownership or management structure.
5. How much did Fertitta pay for the team?
He purchased the Houston Rockets for approximately $2.2 billion, setting a record for an NBA team sale at that time.
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