Incoming president Donald Trump is set to name an NBA team owner as the next US Ambassador to Italy.
Trump will sworn into the office for the second time on January 20.
And Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta is expected to work for the Trump administration as the USA’s Ambassador to Italy, according to a report from CBS News’ Jennifer Jacobs.
Fertitta, 67, has owned the Rockets since 2017 and is currently worth $10.9billion according to Forbes.
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 Sicillian descent.
President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly selected his choice for US Ambassador to Italy
The role is expected to be filled by Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta
It’s not clear how Fertitta’s appointment – if finalized – would 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, Chris, 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.
Jack Markell currently serves as the US Ambassador to Italy under the Joe Biden administration.
More to follow