30-04-2025
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed by Senate as new U.S. Ambassador to Italy
Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of the NBA's Houston Rockets and chairman, president, and CEO of dining, hospitality, gaming, and entertainment corporation Landry's Inc., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy.
Tuesday's vote was 83-14 in support of Fertitta's nomination.
Fertitta, 67, has ancestral roots in the region. His great-great-uncles were Sicilian immigrants who settled in Galveston, Texas.
A Houston native, Fertitta is often referred to as 'the world's richest restaurateur.' Through Landry's, Fertitta owns more than 600 properties in 36 states and in over 15 countries. His restaurants feature more than 80 different restaurant brands. He also owns and operates numerous gaming, hospitality, and entertainment venues, including the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel brand.
Last fall, Forbes estimated Fertitta's total net worth at $10.1 billion, ranking him as the 99th-richest person in the United States. That figure is up about $2 billion from 2023.
In March, Fertitta stated that pending confirmation, he plans to separate himself from numerous business entities. That list includes his position as CEO of Fertitta Entertainment LLC, the holding company that includes entities such as Landry's Inc. and the Golden Nugget franchise. Fertitta also plans to resign from positions with several other hospitality entities, major corporations, and nonprofit organizations, including the NBA team's Clutch City Foundation.
Another resignation will take place with the University of Houston system, where Fertitta is chair of the Board of Regents.
But with regards to the Rockets, his ownership role will not change. Furthermore, Tilman's 30-year-old son, Patrick, has served as the day-to-day ownership representative for multiple years. Thus, from a team perspective, there will be minimal changes — even if Tilman is away.
More: 'We have liftoff': Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta celebrates playoff-clinching win
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Italy
