Last Updated on June 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Houston Rockets have changed ownership several times since entering the NBA in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets. While some ownership groups held the team for only a few years, others oversaw defining periods in franchise history, including championship runs and major organizational growth. (Wikipedia)
Robert Breitbard (1967–1971)
Robert Breitbard was awarded the NBA expansion franchise that became the San Diego Rockets in 1967. He owned the team during its first four seasons before selling it to a group of Houston investors, who relocated the franchise to Texas in 1971. (Wikipedia)
Billy Goldberg, Wayne Duddlesten, and Mickey Herskowitz (1971–1973)
A Houston-based investment group led by Billy Goldberg and Wayne Duddlesten purchased the franchise and moved it to Houston. The Rockets became the first NBA team in Texas, and the move established the foundation for the franchise’s future success. (Wikipedia)
Irvin Kaplan (1973–1975)
Businessman Irvin Kaplan acquired the Rockets in 1973. His ownership was brief, lasting less than two years before the team changed hands again. (Wikipedia)
Wayne Duddlesten and Ray Patterson (1975–1977)
Wayne Duddlesten returned as part-owner alongside Ray Patterson, who had previously served in the organization’s leadership. Together, they controlled the franchise until its sale in 1977. (Wikipedia)
Kenneth Schnitzer (1977–1979)
Houston businessman Kenneth Schnitzer purchased the Rockets in 1977. During his ownership, the team continued to establish itself in the Houston sports landscape. (Wikipedia)
George J. Maloof Sr. (1979–1980)
George J. Maloof Sr. acquired the Rockets in 1979. His family became involved in NBA ownership during a period of transition for the franchise. (Wikipedia)
Gavin Maloof (1980–1982)
Gavin Maloof succeeded his father as principal owner. The Rockets remained under Maloof family control until the franchise was sold in 1982. (Wikipedia)
Charlie Thomas (1982–1993)
Houston businessman Charlie Thomas purchased the team in 1982. During his tenure, the Rockets drafted and developed key players, including Hakeem Olajuwon, laying the groundwork for the franchise’s future championship teams. (Houston Chronicle)
Leslie Alexander (1993–2017)
Leslie Alexander bought the Rockets in 1993 and became the longest-serving owner in franchise history. Under his ownership, Houston won its two NBA championships in 1994 and 1995 and remained one of the league’s most competitive organizations for more than two decades. (Retro Seasons)
Tilman Fertitta (2017–Present)
Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta purchased the Rockets in 2017. He remains the franchise’s sole owner and continues to oversee the team’s operations and long-term direction. (Landry’s Inc.)
Houston Rockets Ownership Timeline
| Owner | Years |
|---|---|
| Robert Breitbard | 1967–1971 |
| Billy Goldberg, Wayne Duddlesten & Mickey Herskowitz | 1971–1973 |
| Irvin Kaplan | 1973–1975 |
| Wayne Duddlesten & Ray Patterson | 1975–1977 |
| Kenneth Schnitzer | 1977–1979 |
| George J. Maloof Sr. | 1979–1980 |
| Gavin Maloof | 1980–1982 |
| Charlie Thomas | 1982–1993 |
| Leslie Alexander | 1993–2017 |
| Tilman Fertitta | 2017–Present |
The Rockets have had ten principal ownership eras, spanning from founder Robert Breitbard in San Diego to current owner Tilman Fertitta in Houston. (Wikipedia)