The 2025-26 season marks a new era for the Houston Rockets. The same can be said for the family owning Houston's pro hoops franchise.
Houston has a new superstar this season in 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. It also has a new de facto lead decision maker, with Patrick Fertitta overseeing operations as the team's "alternate governor." Tilman Fertitta—who purchased the Rockets in 2017 and is Patrick's father—still has the mantle as Houston's Governor (the NBA's updated term for a team owner). But with the elder Fertitta now serving a United States ambassadorship in Italy, his son has a crucial role stateside.