For those not keeping up with the latest NBA news, Los Angeles Clippers owner David Sterling is being pressured by the NBA to sell his team following the release of several audio clips in which the owner was heard making racist remarks. While the team has reportedly been accepting multiple offers, one particular bid came from a very interesting person: former Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.
According to ESPN sources, Steve Ballmer has reportedly signed an agreement with the Sterling family trust to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion. His bid is believed to be the highest submitted, topping offers from groups led by music mogul David Geffen ($1.6 billion) and L.A. investors Tony Ressler and Steve Karsh ($1.2 billion).
Ballmer announced his plan for retirement back in August 2013, but stayed with Microsoft until they found a suitable replacement. In February of this year, Microsoft named Satya Nadella the new Chief Executive Officer. The 58-year-old Ballmer is believed to be worth $20.3 billion, and his purchase of the Clippers would make him the richest majority owner in major U.S. sports.
What's interesting is that this isn't Ballmer's first attempt to purchase an NBA team. Last year, he was part of a group that attempted to buy the Sacramento Kings with the intent of moving the team to Seattle. NBA owners voted to reject the proposed move.
What do you think of Steve Ballmer becoming the owner of the L.A. Clippers? We know at least one man who supports it.
The Clippers would be so fortunate to get Steve Ballmer as owner. He's a great competitive force & would bring big energy to the LAC fanbase
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) May 28, 2014
Steve & I have done a lot of community work together (he helped get @ABetterSeattle started) & he’s always been involved in the hoops world
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) May 28, 2014
Steve is really excited about this potential opportunity and it would be awesome for it to work out. This is a big moment for LA!
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) May 28, 2014
I just hope Ballmer brings this type of energy when he's first introduced as the new Clippers owner.
