Back in May, it was confirmed that former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer would purchase the LA Clippers for $2 billion. The deal was about to go through, but was blocked after the team’s co-owner Donald Sterling had pulled his support for the deal. The deal was finalized by Donald’s wife, Shelly Sterling, who said she was in a position to make the deal happen.
Donald Sterling had made some racially charged remarks, which were revealed in an audio recording. The fate of the team was up in the air and possible candidates, including Ballmer, came up to take over the position after the outburst was revealed. Ballmer was all set to purchase the Clippers for $2 billion, until Sterling argued in court that his wife did not have legal permission to sell the team.
A judge ruled against Sterling today, allowing Ballmer to move forward in his purchase of the team. Ballmer would become a local hero if he finalized the purchased the Los Angeles Clippers and relocated them to Seattle, the former home of the Seattle Supersonics. Ballmer would become the second Microsoftie to own a sports team. For those that did not know, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is the owner of the Portland Trailblazers.
Further reading: LA Clippers, Steve Ballmer
