DLA Piper represented Tilman J. Fertitta in his acquisition of the Houston Rockets NBA franchise, including the operating rights to the Toyota Center Arena. The $2.2 billion transaction is a record purchase price for an NBA franchise.

Fertitta is a native of Galveston and life-long resident of the Houston area. He is sole owner of the Landry's restaurant empire and Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels, and has no other partners in connection with the acquisition, which commenced in July.

The team was led by partner Richard Rubano, and partners Peter White, Gerald Rokoff, Drew Young,Jason Goldstein (all New York), Brendan Head (Chicago), Mark Whitaker (Northern Virginia), William Bartow (Philadelphia), Rita Patel (Washington, DC); associates Jesse Kirsch, Caleb Ginsberg, Ruchi Shah, Hayley Wallace (all New York), Andrew Perlman (Chicago), Ian Boardman (Sacramento), Priya Narahari(Philadelphia); attorney Erin Byrnes (New York).

DLA Piper's Media, Sport and Entertainment practice advises on prominent industry transactions, including facilities sales and developments, team M&A and financings, disputes, regulatory issues, and e-gaming opportunities.