The Houston Rockets are currently up for sale and have recently drawn interest from multiple suitors such as Beyonce, who recently expressed interest in buying a stake in the franchise as of last week. Here’s why it makes perfect sense.
In a move that sent major shockwaves across the NBA this summer, Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander announced his intentions to sell the team in a press release through CEO Tad Brown last month.
Seeking to cash in at the right time.
The franchise in which the former bond trader bought for $85 million in 1993, is currently worth an estimated $1.65 billion according to Forbes.
Several big names have shown interest in joining a potential ownership group to purchase a stake in the Rockets as of late, including one celebrity who is seeking to throw her own hat into the ring.
Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter.
The multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and actress is reportedly interested in acquiring a stake in the two-time NBA champions, according to Bloomberg’s Scott Soshnick.
Why do you ask?
It’s simple.
Beyonce is arguably the most famous person to hail from Houston.
One whom possesses so much love for her hometown, that she has helped put the city on the national radar with regular shoutouts on several of her most recent hit songs.
On top of that, the pop singer just so happens to be a huge fan of the organization — whose allegiance runs so deep to the core, that she has been spotted in Rockets apparel ranging from a customized James Harden jersey on stage at Made In America, to vintage hats paying homage to the team’s glory years on Instagram over the last few years.
Plus, it is not considered odd to see prized musicians holding ownership in sports franchises as of recent times.
Usher Raymond is currently a part-owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Justin Timberlake owns a share in the Memphis Grizzlies, while Beyonce’s husband, Jay-Z, once owned a piece of the Brooklyn Nets, before seeking to launch Roc Nation Sports in 2013.
Yet, those talented acts do not possess the level of influence in which she has.
The 35-year-old star is one of the most well-known celebrities on the planet, and would instantly help bring appeal to any ownership group she decides to align forces with, as Beyonce’s presence could help the Rockets gain massive international revenue for the first time since Yao Ming graced the floors of the Toyota Center.
And possibly give the league a helping hand in attracting a new audience that is needed.
According to the Marketing Arm’s Celebrity DBI database, Beyonce is considered to be effective reaching young women between the ages of 13-17, which could help boost the game’s overall popularity across multiple outlets as the league’s overall income stream continues to rise by the year.
This would make Beyonce the most iconic celebrity owner in the league, as she could become the first lead woman to shine mightily within a predominantly male-dominated spectrum.
This could possibly encourage other women within the entertainment industry and beyond, to get involved on the business side of things.
Helping open up doors for those currently in the game, to receive opportunities in higher places.
Besides, isn’t the diva known as Sasha Fierce a female version of a hustler?
The move makes perfect sense, as Beyonce could help upgrade the Rockets and impact the game in more ways than just one.