Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta reportedly expected set to be Donald Trump’s choice for US ambassador to Italy

Texas businessman Tilman Fertitta, of Sicilian heritage and former Billion Dollar Buyer star, is likely Trump's pick for U.S. Ambassador to Italy.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta reportedly expected set to be Donald Trump’s choice for US ambassador to Italy

Tilman Fertitta and Donald Trump

President-elect Donald Trump is actively assembling his cabinet ahead of his January 20, 2025, inauguration. According to sources close to Trump, he is considering Tilman Fertitta—CEO of Landry’s Inc., owner of the Houston Rockets, and a Texas billionaire—for the position of Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta, a longtime GOP donor, is also a close friend of the President-elect.

This isn’t the first time that Trump has offered some of the most prominent positions in the government to his closest allies and die-hard supporters, whether they be friends or family. Very few are surprised by Trump’s pick for Ambassador to Italy.

Voters and other speculators saw it coming from a mile away, especially after Tilman Fertitta joined Elon Musk and Trump for a Starship rocket launch in Texas last month.

According to CBS News‘ senior White House correspondent, Jennifer Jacobs, unnamed sources close to the President told her that Fertitta is most likely going to be Donald Trump‘s pick for U.S. Ambassador to Italy. Born and raised in Texas, businessman Fertitta is of Sicilian lineage, which makes sense for Trump to appoint him as the Ambassador to Italy. Fertitta has previously starred on a TV show called Billion Dollar Buyer.

Tilman Fertitta’s role in reviving the Houston Rockets

Tilman Fertitta took over the Houston Rockets as the new owner back in 2017 after purchasing the team for a whopping $2.2 billion. At the time organization was grappling with significant issues like the aging roster, lack of direction and winning culture within the franchise. However, Fertitta’s leadership and business acumen played a pivotal role in reviving the Rockets and turning them into championship contenders.

This season, Houston Rockets sits comfortably in the third spot of the western conference. A total three sixty flip for the franchise. This is due to Fertitta’s commitment to the team. His investment into the team has enabled significant changes in management and coaching.

One of Fertitta’s notable moves so far as an owner has been the termination of former Huston-Rockets GM, Daryl Morey.

Fertitta’s hands-on approach has effectively allowed the management to focus on building a competitive roster via both drafting and trades, which has significantly impacted the team’s dynamics and performance. If he can bring the same energy to his new career as Ambassador to Italy, he can certainly leave a lasting impact on diplomatic relations, just as he has in the world of professional basketball.