Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Rockets Owner Expands SPAC Deal by $2 Billion

  • Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has expanded his SPAC deal to take Fertitta Entertainment Inc. public to acquire more companies.
  • The deal now values the combined company at $8.6 billion.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has more on his plate than rebuilding the franchise.

The billionaire expanded the SPAC merger taking Fertitta Entertainment public to include more restaurant and hospitality companies.

Fertitta bought the Rockets for $2.2 billion in 2017.

The additions will lift the valuation of the combined company from $6.6 billion up to $8.6 billion. The properties added to the deal include Catch Hospitality Group and Mastro’s Restaurants, among others.

  • Fertitta will own around 72% of the company and be its chairman, president, and CEO. 
  • Fertitta Entertainment already includes Golden Nugget Hotel & Casinos, Golden Nugget Online Gaming, and restaurant company Landry’s.

The merger with FAST Acquisition agreed to in February initially had Fertitta claiming a 60% stake, with investors like Fidelity and BlackRock contributing $1.2 billion for roughly 35% of the business.

Landry’s said on Wednesday that shareholders have agreed to purchase $1.24 billion in stock upon completion of the merger.  

The combined companies’ net revenues are estimated at $917-$920 million for the second quarter of 2021. FAST previously raised $200 million in its August 2020 IPO.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for the
Asset Class Newsletter

Get the latest in sports finance, investment, and transaction activity, straight to your inbox once a week.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 13, 2006; Washington, D.C, USA; FILE PHOTO; Houston Comets at Washington Mystics -- Houston forward Sheryl Swoopes brings the ball up court.

Houston WNBA Team Expects to Keep Comets Name

The Connecticut Sun will move to Houston in 2027.

NBA Playoffs Get Strong Early Ratings

It’s unclear whether Luka Dončić will return in the second round.
Aug 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow (24) grabs a rebound against the Dallas Wings during the first half at College Park Center.

Fertittas to Purchase Connecticut Sun for Record $300 Million

The Sun will play the 2026 season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston.

NBC Made Its NBA Return Feel Big

From the nostalgia to Jordan getting personal, NBC hit the right chords.

Featured Today

NFL Rivalries Are Made on the Field, Mocked in Schedule Release Videos

Every year, teams find new ways to one-up themselves (and their rivals).
Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga
May 14, 2026

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) takes the field prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Can Travis Kelce Save Six Flags?

The NFL star joined an activist investor in pushing for change.
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees smiles prior to the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome.
October 21, 2025

Drew Brees Flag Football League Sells to PE Amid Youth Boom

Football ‘N’ America operates 24 flag football leagues across the country.
Sep 25, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics lead owner and governor Bill Chisholm speaks during a press conference at Auerbach Center.
October 22, 2025

The NBA’s Expanding Private-Equity Footprint

There is a PE connection of some kind for 20 of 30 teams.
Sponsored

Mark Cuban Peels Back the Curtain

Mark Cuban discusses sports ownership, the rise of NIL, and the evolving media landscape.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
Jason Belzer
October 17, 2025

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Jon Ledecky
October 17, 2025

Islanders Owner Warns WNBA Against Labor Strife: ‘No Bueno’

Jon Ledecky drew a stark contrast between the two leagues.
Dave Checketts
October 17, 2025

When David Stern Accused Knicks of Circumventing Salary Cap in 1993

The Knicks walked away clean when accused of cap circumvention in the 1990s.