Latest news with #Fertitta
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who is Tilman Fertitta? Here's why US ambassador to Italy ditched Rome's Villa Tavern, stayed aboard $150mn superyacht
Tilman Fertitta, a Texas billionaire who was appointed US ambassador to Italy, spent weeks living on his superyacht as he was displeased with his new official 7-acre residence in Rome. Trump nominated Tilman Fertitta, 68, to be ambassador to Italy in December, and the Senate confirmed his appointment in April.(AP) Trump nominated Fertitta, 68, to be ambassador to Italy in December, and the Senate confirmed his appointment in April. The Houston Rockets owner did not move into Villa Taverna, his official Roman dwelling, until July 10 after a 'series' of improvements. According to Italian daily newspaper Corriere, he has decided to reside on his 252-foot superyacht Boardwalk, which is anchored off the coast of Civitavecchia. He uses a helicopter to commute to his professional duties on land, annoying the locals. A representative for his business, Fertitta Entertainment, told the Daily Mail that the ambassador chose to live on his $150 million yacht as the historic Roman mansion was being renovated. According to the spokeswoman, Ambassador Fertitta has been residing in Villa Taverna since July 10 and was eager to move in with his family. 'Several weeks prior, however, during the construction improvements to the family quarters (which he paid for), required that he live elsewhere. Rather than a hotel, he chose to commute from his yacht to the embassy, which amounted to only 3.5 weeks.' Also Read: Trump's no pardon for 'half-innocent' Diddy sparks 50 Cent's mocking reaction; 'I told you I was gonna tell him…' What we know about Villa Taverna US ambassadors to Italy have lived in Villa Taverna for several decades. Situated in the center of Rome and encircled by verdant gardens, the sophisticated 17th-century mansion has long served as a representation of taciturn diplomacy and the close relationship between the United States and Italy. David H. Thorne, a former ambassador, once called his stay there a 'honor and privilege… at this magnificent villa.' It's the type of historically significant location where leaders have welcomed dignitaries, artists, and intellectuals in a setting that combines traditional charm with contemporary diplomacy. All about his $150 million superyacht: Boardwalk Fertitta's personality and wealth are reflected in the 77-meter yacht Boardwalk, which was constructed in 2021 by the Dutch shipyard Feadship. With an estimated $11 billion in net worth, the Texan billionaire doesn't cut corners when it comes to style and comfort. 'It's one of those things I always wanted and I'll always have. It isn't cheap, I can tell you that… every time I walk on it, I tell myself, 'God, I love this boat,'' Fertitta told ABC News. Boardwalk, designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and furnished by Halffman Interiors, features a full-sized pool, a wine cellar, a sky lounge, a gym, and a beach club. With a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles, it can carry a crew of 22 and 14 passengers. Additionally, it has an Airbus H130 helicopter with the registration N252TF, which is a reference to Fertitta's initials. He travels to meetings in Rome and even to ceremonial occasions in areas like Nettuno in the helicopter. However, Rome airspace has restrictions and only the Pope and the head of state of Italy are allowed to fly the helicopter to Villa Taverna.
The Irish Sun
27-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Hated Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri refusing to sell club for less than £100m in another huge blow
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY owner Dejphon Chansiri still wants a staggering £100m for the troubled club. The Owls are still in debt and face signing restrictions with a reduced squad. Advertisement 1 Dejphon Chansiri is still demanding big money for Sheffield Wednesday Credit: Alamy Wednesday Earlier this month, The extent of the cash woes emerged during takeover bids by several groups in the prior weeks. Earlier this month it was reported that US businessman Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fertitta, 68, is the US ambassador for Italy and is an ally of Donald Trump. The businessman also owns the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Wednesday manager Danny Rohl initially did not show up for pre season amid the club's woes. The 36-year-old eventually returned but has had to work with a threadbare squad. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The Owls beat Mansfield 2-0 in a training ground friendly yesterday. Club stalwarts Leicester finally appoint manager to replace sacked Ruud van Nistelrooy as Foxes hire ex-Championship boss Both players have been out of contract since June 30. Advertisement It remains to be seen whether Wednesday's sorry situation will have improved by their Championship opener against
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Sheff Wednesday in advanced takeover talks with sports businessman who is Donald Trump ally and US ambassador in Italy
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY are in advanced talks with an American sports businessman called Tilman Fertitta. The wealthy Yank is also the United States ambassador in Italy after making his fortune with various ventures. Advertisement 4 Sheffield Wednesday are in advanced talks with American sports businessman Tilman Fertitta 4 Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri is under significant pressure amid the club's financial crisis Fertitta, 68, has been in talks for weeks but has now made an offer to The cost of the deal is being kept secret and will be subject to the usual due diligence phase. Fertitta may lodge cash to help settle some bills in the short term as the process is bound to take weeks. But he seems a far more credible candidate than many who have chased the Yorkshire club ownership. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Fertitta has a basketball team in Houston, is an ally of Donald Trump and is seen as a leading expert and business and sport. Chansiri says he is willing to sell the club to 'the right individual, or group, to take it forward'. Wednesday, who finished 12th last season, are in dire straits financially. The Owls are currently restricted by a triple transfer embargo due to unpaid player wages and HMRC bills . Advertisement Most read in Football 4 Fertitta is an ally of Donald Trump CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The club's after six stars reportedly handed in notices , with Chansiri refusing to inject any more cash into the coffers. Manager Advertisement And unpaid Wednesday players are raging after being left out of pocket for several months. Sheffield Wednesday crisis deepens as players free to resign, club legend leaves and staff going months without pay SunSport exclusively revealed how upset stars Wednesday are now 4 Danny Rohl remains absent from the Owls' pre-season amid the ongoing transfer embargo Credit: Getty Advertisement
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Sheff Wednesday in advanced takeover talks with sports businessman who is Donald Trump ally and US ambassador in Italy
Wednesday have been handed three separate embargoes OWLS EYED Sheff Wednesday in advanced takeover talks with sports businessman who is Donald Trump ally and US ambassador in Italy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY are in advanced talks with an American sports businessman called Tilman Fertitta. The wealthy Yank is also the United States ambassador in Italy after making his fortune with various ventures. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Sheffield Wednesday are in advanced talks with American sports businessman Tilman Fertitta 4 Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri is under significant pressure amid the club's financial crisis Fertitta, 68, has been in talks for weeks but has now made an offer to Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri. The cost of the deal is being kept secret and will be subject to the usual due diligence phase. Fertitta may lodge cash to help settle some bills in the short term as the process is bound to take weeks. But he seems a far more credible candidate than many who have chased the Yorkshire club ownership. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL TOP GUNN Madueke jetting home from Chelsea's Club World Cup squad just days before final Fertitta has a basketball team in Houston, is an ally of Donald Trump and is seen as a leading expert and business and sport. Chansiri says he is willing to sell the club to 'the right individual, or group, to take it forward'. Wednesday, who finished 12th last season, are in dire straits financially. The Owls are currently restricted by a triple transfer embargo due to unpaid player wages and HMRC bills. 4 Fertitta is an ally of Donald Trump CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The club's financial crisis deepened after six stars reportedly handed in notices, with Chansiri refusing to inject any more cash into the coffers. Manager Danny Rohl hasn't returned to pre-season training and is seeking a way out of his contract amidst interest from other clubs. And unpaid Wednesday players are raging after being left out of pocket for several months. Sheffield Wednesday crisis deepens as players free to resign, club legend leaves and staff going months without pay SunSport exclusively revealed how upset stars have asked the EFL to send them money. Wednesday are now banned from buying players until 2027.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston group not giving up on landing WNBA team after missed expansion bid
The WNBA may have announced expansion franchises in three new cities Tuesday but Houston is not giving up on landing a WNBA team. Gretchen Sheirr, the Houston Rockets president of business operations, said that a group led by Tilman Fertitta will continue to pursue a team for the city. Houston bid for a franchise in the recent expansion round but the WNBA decided to award teams to Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland instead. Advertisement 'The addition of three WNBA expansion teams is a testament to the trajectory of the league and the excitement surrounding women's basketball,' Sheirr said in a statement. 'While we are disappointed not to have been awarded a team at this time, we remain optimistic about the future. The Houston Comets played a vital role in shaping the league's history, and Houston's passion for basketball remains as strong as ever.' The WNBA will stand at 18 franchises after those three cities come into play by 2030. The league has announced plans for six expansion teams in the past three years. So far, the Golden State Valkyries are the only one to begin play. The Toronto Tempo and a team in Portland will join the league next season. On Monday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert left the door open for more franchises and said Houston was high on that list. 'One of those I wanted to shout out because they have such a strong history in this league, and they're a great ownership group — Houston. … That's the one we have our eye on,' Engelbert said. 'Tilman has been a great supporter of the WNBA, and we'll stay tuned on that.' Advertisement She added, 'Houston would be up next for sure. There might be opportunities there.' Engelbert said having first-class arenas for franchises to play in was important in each of the three cities they selected being awarded teams. Houston would have played its games at the Toyota Center, home of the Rockets. Outside of expansion, there are other opportunities for Fertitta to bring a WNBA team back to Houston. The Connecticut Sun are currently exploring a sale, including one that could bring in a new controlling owner, and Fertitta could choose to take the route of buying the Sun and relocating them to Houston. The city previously had a WNBA team from 1997 to 2008. The Houston Comets won the first four WNBA titles in the league's history and served as its first dynasty. Comets players won four of the first six MVP awards, too. Cynthia Cooper won the award in the league's first two years and Sheryl Swoopes won in 2000 and 2002. Advertisement The Comets disbanded in 2008 after the team's owner could not find a buyer for the franchise. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Houston Texans, Connecticut Sun, WNBA, Sports Business 2025 The Athletic Media Company
