LA Times: Steve Ballmer agrees to buy the LA Clippers for $2 billion

Steve Ballmer, renowned for his leadership role at Microsoft, took a significant turn in his career post-Microsoft with the acquisition of the LA Clippers, as reported by the LA Times. This agreement followed swiftly on the heels of the NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver’s call for previous team owner, Donald Sterling, to step down following a racially insensitive scandal. The sale reportedly reached a staggering $2 billion, setting it apart as a record deal. Despite stiff competition, Ballmer stood out, surpassing entertainment tycoon David Geffen’s $1.6 billion proposal. Thanks to his estimated fortune of $15 to $20 billion, Ballmer could readily foot the bill single-handedly and potentially help rebuild the team’s tainted reputation. Despite talks with other potential buyers, the sale remained largely open until its conclusion. High-profile sports analysts like Bill Simmons from Grantland/ESPN asserted that there was a slim chance of facing major obstacles in the final phases of the agreement.

Minor enhancements were applied in 2025 for readability.