The $2 billion sale of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly became final on Tuesday.
"I went to Judge Levanas' courtroom this morning hoping that he would have signed the order, which he had,"
Adam Streisand, one of Ballmer’s attorneys, told USA Today Sports. "The clerk handed the order to me. I emailed from the courtroom to close the deal. The NBA owners voted last week."
Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll
Streisand is referring to Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas, who had issued an oral ruling on the sale on July 28. Levanas’ final written order makes the $2 billion price tag for the NBA team the highest ever paid for an NBA team, according to USA TODAY Sports. The sale of the team was approved by the NBA Board of Governors after Shelly Sterling’s authority to sell the team was confirmed by a California court.
Sterling’s husband and former Clippers owner Donald Sterling was ousted after controversial remarks regarding African-American athletes. Those comments, caught on tape, led NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to issue a lifetime ban on Sterling in April, not allowing him to attend any more NBA games and fining him $2.5 million.
"I am thrilled that the Clippers now have such a wonderful new owner," Shelly Sterling said in a statement. "I am confident that Steve will bring the city a championship team in the very near future. I cannot wait for the new season to begin."
"I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers," Ballmer said in a statement. "Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times.”
Clippers coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers weighed in Tuesday on the final sale of the team to Ballmer.
"I couldn't be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization,” Rivers said, USA Today Sports reported. “I am already inspired by Steve's passion for the game, his love of competition and desire to win the right way and I know our players and fans are going to be inspired as well."
Several
Clippers players commented on the team website about the sale of their team to Ballmer.
“Today is a great day for the Clipper organization and fans everywhere,” forward Blake Griffin said. “I look forward to having Mr. Ballmer as an owner and continuing our pursuit of a championship.”
“I am very excited about Mr. Ballmer’s purchase of the Clippers,” point guard Chris Paul said. “I’ve had a chance to meet him and his excitement for the game of basketball and our team is going to be great for the league, the city of Los Angeles and Clipper fans everywhere.”
Urgent: Assess Your Heart Attack Risk in Minutes. Click Here.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.