Donald Trump turns to the NBA to appoint his ambassador to Italy in Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta

Donald Trump has announced that he has appointed Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the NBA team Houston Rockets, as US ambassador to Italy.

President-elect Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Saturday evening, writing: ‘I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy.

‘Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our Country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans. 

‘Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, which include children’s charities, Law Enforcement, and the medical community. 

‘Additionally, Tilman is the longest serving Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston. He also owns the Houston Rockets Basketball Team. Congratulations to Tilman, and his remarkable family!’

Fertitta, 67, has owned the Rockets since 2017 and is currently worth $10.9billion according to Forbes. 

Fertitta, owner of NBA team Houston Rockets, has an estimated wealth of $10.9billion 

He’s made his fortunes as the chairman of Landry’s, a corporation which includes casinos, hotels and restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 

Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas but is of Sicilian descent. 

It’s not clear how Fertitta’s appointment might affect his day-to-day duties with the Rockets.

For his last administration, Trump tapped Jets owner Woody Johnson as his pick for UK Ambassador, leaving his brother, Christopher, in control of the team.

However, Woody won’t be serving a second term in the role as billionaire Warren Stephens was selected this time.

The Rockets are currently third in the Western Conference and are in NBA action next on Sunday night, against Toronto Raptors.

Trump, meanwhile, is going to be sworn into the office for the second time on January 20.