Houston Rockets bibilhin ng $2.2 billion ng restaurant mogul na si Fertitta

MANILA, Philippines — Nakipagkasundo na ang restaurant mogul na si Tilman Fertitta para bilhin ang Houston Rockets kay Leslie Alexander sa halagang $2.2 billion na isang NBA record at inaasahang pormal itong ihahayag anumang araw ngayong linggo.

Si Fertitta ay nagmamay-ari ng maraming restaurant mogul at isa sa mga celebrity-status investors  na nag-offer para sa franchise.

Binili ng 73-gulang na si Alexander ang franchise ng $85 million noong 1993. Ayon sa Forbes ang halaga ng franchise noong February ay $1.65 billion --  ikawalong most valuable team sa liga – na may kinikitang $244 million sa isang taon.

“It’s been my great joy and honor to own the Houston Rockets for the past 24 years,” sabi ni Alexander sa isang statement noong Lunes.

“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 All-NBA teams, enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and done so much for our franchise and our fans.”

Naging successful agad si Alexander bilang may-ari ng Rockets na nanalo ng NBA titles laban sa New York Knicks noong 1994 at Orlando Magic noong 1995 sa pangunguna ni Hakeem Olajuwon.

“The Houston community has been home to me,” ani Alexander.  “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.”