In a surprising announcement on Monday, Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said he's putting the team up for sale. The decision from the billionaire who has owned the franchise for 24 years comes shortly after the Rockets traded for nine-time All-Star guard Chris Paul to help Houston contend for a title next season.
In an interview with CCTV, Tad Brown, the Rockets CEO, said that dozens of buyers all over the world have already shown interest. The team is now actively pursuing all potential candidates to make sure they find the right person.
Houston Rockets CEO Tad Brown (L), Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo watch from courtside at Toyota Center Jan. 31, 2017 in Houston, Texas. /VCG Photo
Brown further said that they have been contacted by potential buyers from China.
"The change of ownership will not change what we're doing. We're very excited about the upcoming season. Our management team is in place, and we’re going to continue to be very aggressive, and put the resources in place, that will continue to help us compete for a championship," said Brown.
Rockets recently signed Chinese forward/center Zhou Qi a multi-year deal and is set to play in the upcoming season.