a league source told espn 's adrian wojnarowski , however , that fertitta agreed to purchase the team from leslie alexander for $ 2.2 billion , a record sale price for an nba franchise .
alexander bought the team will be sold to billionaire restaurateur tilman fertitta .
the rockets acknowledged the timing of the sale as houston recovers from historic damage caused by hurricane harvey , saying " it is truly unfortunate that this announcement is occurring amidst the aftermath of one of the biggest tragedies in the history of our great city . "
fertitta is a native of galveston , texas , and has no other partners in connection with the transaction , which also includes operation of the toyota center in houston .
alexander and fertitta agreed in principle to the sale of the team monday , league sources told wojnarowski .
the rockets were valued at $ 1.65 billion -- eighth - most valuable in the nba -- by forbes magazine earlier this year but received multiple offers that started at $ 2 billion , league sources told wojnarowski .
rachel nichols highlights the immense popularity of the nba , as evidenced by the houston rockets ' $ 2.2 billion sale price .
beyonce was rumored to be in the mix to buy the rockets as part of an investment group -- but lost out ... despite support from her mother , who even posted a pic of b in a rockets jersey over the weekend .
( 1:39 ) the houston rockets have been sold to local billionaire tilman fertitta , who called the purchase of his hometown team a " dream come true . "