NBA star James Harden locked out of his own restaurant over $2million in alleged unpaid rent

1 week ago 2

By JAKE NISSE, US SPORTS WRITER

Published: 22:17 BST, 5 September 2025 | Updated: 22:19 BST, 5 September 2025

The doors have been locked at James Harden's Houston restaurant over an alleged $2.2million in unpaid rent.

Thirteen, which opened in 2021, has been at least temporarily shut down after a sign was posted on the property on September 1 on behalf of the building's landlord, Midtown Scouts Square Property.

The notice claims that Thirteen Hospitality Group, LLC owes $2,217,430.05 in unpaid rent, and said locks had been changed due to the sums not being paid.

However, the letter, which was first reported upon by CultureMap Houston, says a new key will be provided when 'delinquent rent and other sums due under the lease' are paid.

According to court documents cited by Click 2 Houston, the restaurant also breached the lease by failing to maintain the premises in accordance with city regulations.

The landlord of the building allegedly requested payment on August 21, which was denied, leading the lease to be terminated.

James Harden's Houston restaurant allegedly owes more than $2million in unpaid rent

Harden earned more than $33million playing for the Los Angeles Clippers last season

Midtown Scouts Square Property is reportedly seeking to recover all past-due payments and future payments through October.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Harden's agent, Troy Payne, for comment.

The letter was addressed by care of Ruby Banipal, who is a global tax lawyer. The Daily Mail has reached out to her for comment as well.

As seen on the notice, Harden and Thirteen Hospitality Group initially signed a five-year lease in July 2020.

This July, they extended the lease through October of this year and also added 13 Strikes LLC as a tenant.

As of Friday afternoon, the self-described Pan-Asian restaurant was still accepting reservations for that night on its Opentable page.

Harden, 36, earned over $33million last season while playing for the Clippers.

He has made over $453million in his playing career, per Spotrac.

The 2009 draft pick has had a storied NBA career, going on to nab 11 All-Star appearances, three scoring titles and one MVP award.

The news of his restaurant's shutdown comes as his Clippers teammate, Kawhi Leonard, has also been in the headlines.

The NBA is investigating claims that Leonard was paid millions in secret and indirect payments in an effort to circumvent the league's salary cap, allegations which owner Steve Ballmer has vehemently denied.

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