Fertitta has owned the Rockets since 2017
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is reportedly exploring a takeover bid for Chelsea ahead of a deadline for offers, which is set to take place on Friday.
Fertitta is one of several American sports billionaires interested in a buying the Blues from Roman Abramovich, who was hit with sanctions by the UK government last week.
As reported by Sky News, the 64-year-old – whose wealth is estimated by Forbes magazine at $6.2bn (£4.8bn) – has been given access to a data room by the merchant bank overseeing the sale of the European champions.
It adds that it is unclear whether Fertitta is planning to submit an offer for the Blues by the end of the week, or if he is in talks about others regarding a joint bid for the club.
A spokeswoman for the American declined to comment on reports linking Fertitta with a bid for Chelsea, however, Sky News state that a source close to sale was sceptical about whether he would ultimately make an offer.
Exclusive: Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets NBA team, is the latest American sports billionaire to show an interest in bidding for Chelsea ahead of a deadline for offers this week. I understand Fertitta is one of the parties in a data-room set up for bidders…
— Mark Kleinman (@MarkKleinmanSky) March 14, 2022
Fertitta was approved by the NBA to own the Houston Rockets in 2017, purchasing the club for an NBA record $2.2 billion.
It comes after the Blues were reportedly the subject of a £2.7bn offer from Saudi Media Group, with the bid from the Saudi group appearing to mark a significant step forward.
The consortium is fronted by Mohamen Alkhereiji, a Chelsea supporter and CEO of Saudi Media’s parent company, Engineer Holding Group, which was founded by his father, Abdulelah Alkhereiji.
Related links:
- Saudi consortium make £2.7bn bid to buy Chelsea
- Thomas Tuchel jokes he’ll drive the team bus if Chelsea can’t afford travel
- Roman Abramovich disqualified as Chelsea director
