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Houston Rockets owner to increase Hurricane Harvey donation from $4 to $10 million

By Nick Denning

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Houston Rockets owner, Leslie Alexander and NBA Legend, Hakeem Olajuwon talk during the Yao Ming jersey retirement ceremony during the Chicago Bulls game against the Houston Rockets on February 3, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 3: Houston Rockets owner, Leslie Alexander and NBA Legend, Hakeem Olajuwon talk during the Yao Ming jersey retirement ceremony during the Chicago Bulls game against the Houston Rockets on February 3, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander will increase his Hurricane Harvey donation to $10 million. His donation follows a line of Houston based teams and athletes that have stepped in with donations.

Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander plans to increase his donation to Hurricane Harvey to $10 million, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. Alexander originally pledged $4 million to help with relief funds, but told Houston mayor Sylvester Turner this morning he will raise the amount.

It’s a strong gesture from the Rockets owner, who plans to sell the team after owning them for the past 24 years.

But Alexander is not alone. Other Houston area teams and athletes announced donations of their own. Yesterday, the Houston Astros announced intentions to donate $4 million to relief efforts. Additionally, the Houston Dynamo set up a link for donations to the Red Cross.

Along with efforts from Houston based teams, Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt’s campaign has raised over $1.5 million since it began two days ago. His initial goal of $200,000 was raised in two hours. Since then, he has set new goals, each of which has been met. He is currently campaigning to reach $2 million in donations:

You can donate to his fund here.

Meanwhile, Texans owner Bob McNair plans to donate $1 million to help with relief.

Of course, these donations are just a few of many pledged by teams and players. Others have traveled to Houston to help. NBA forward Gerald Green took to Instagram seeking a boat to rescue stranded citizens (warning, NSFW langauge):

Green was born and raised in Houston. He played at Gulf Shores Academy located in Houston before entering the NBA in 2005.

Next: J.J. Watt starts relief effort for Hurricane Harvey recovery (Video)

Hurricane Harvey has devastated the Houston area. That said, the relief efforts from Alexander and many others in the Houston area has been astounding, and hopefully will inspire others to pitch in.

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