House of Houston
Fansided

Houston Rockets Report: Dikembe Mutombo raised close to $2B to buy team

By Brian K. Patterson

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo speaks to the media during the Mobil 1 Annual Protection Las Vegas Launch Event inside the MGM Grand Hotel
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 09: NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo speaks to the media during the Mobil 1 Annual Protection Las Vegas Launch Event inside the MGM Grand Hotel /
facebooktwitterreddit

After months of deliberations, the Houston Rockets have finally found a buyer in Tilman Fertitta but there was a infamous runner-up that claims he came just short of the winning bid.

Yes, the Houston Rockets had many individuals/groups that were interested in buying the budding franchise.  One of the most notable was former NBA phenom Dikembe Mutombo who had a partnership group to raise a significant amount of money to buy the team.  Sometimes in these situations, you always want to know who was the runner-up in such a stiff competition and we finally know.

Mutombo revealed his intentions to KRIV FOX26’s Mark Berman recently indicating that he had put up a strong bid to buy the team but came just short of the $2.2 billion winning bid that entertainment/restaurant magnate Tilman Fertitta submitted.  Mutombo mentioned that he “raised close to $2 billion but we just didn’t get a call.”

He also added this tidbit:

"“I was very happy with myself,” he said. “I’m not crying for the fact that we didn’t win. I’m more happy that I was able to pull people together who did believe in my vision to put up that much money. I might be disappointed, but I’m not crying. Things happen, and sometimes they happen for a good reason.”"

The fierce, ultimate competitor out on the court was fighting in the board room to try to be the new face of the Houston Rockets.  I honestly do admire Deke and his unmatched work ethic on and off the court.

It’s important to note that he also attempted to buy the Atlanta Hawks, the team he spent most of his career with, when they were up for sale in 2015.  But the old adage that was applicable then as it is now, being close but no cigar.

More from House of Houston

However, I do believe the reason why he didn’t win the bid was because not only did he not have enough money but Leslie Alexander was likely uncertain on if Deke’s ownership group would strong-arm him to making decisions that he didn’t want make.  Les may have been concerned that things would stray away from the legacy that he created in his 24 years owning the team.

Fertitta is shrewd, power-hungry businessman.  He’s the single shareholder of Landry’s, Inc., part of his billion-dollar empire and he’ll be sole owner of not only the Houston Rockets but associated entities such as Toyota Center, the $175 million luxurious play pen for the franchise.

I’m sure there was some possibility that Fertitta’s vision for the team was a lot more clearer than Deke’s group which urged Les to go and sell to a guy that was a previous runner-up in buying the team in 1993.  From previous reports, Fertitta was just short of $4 million of the winning bid of $83 million back then.

Fertitta now finally gets what he wants and Mutombo sounded optimistic about his plans moving forward, lending his support for the new owner saying this:

"“I think he’s going to follow the spirit of Uncle Les and his vision. I look forward to going to the games and cheering for my Rockets.”"

It at least would’ve been interesting to see if Mutombo would’ve been able to win as there is a lack of people of color in such an exclusive group of mostly men who own sports franchises.  Michael Jordan is the most-notable, being the majority owner/face of the ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.  Hopefully, one day, Mutombo will finally turn his dream into a reality.

Next: Seven reasons why the Rockets should have more titles

Mutombo, 51, played his last five seasons of his 18-year career here in H-Town, contributing heavily to the team’s success.

Go Rockets.

Home/Houston Rockets