Shelly Sterling confirms news in an official statement…
Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has agreed to buy the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion, according to sources close to the situation.
According to ESPN, Ballmer and Shelly Sterling signed the final papers of the sale shortly before midnight on Thursday at the offices of her Los Angeles based attorneys.
Sterling announced that she was acting under her authority as the sole trustee of the Sterling family trust, which owns the Clippers, and concluded the deal despite her husband, Donald, seemingly telling reporters that he would not give up the franchise without a fight.
“I am delighted that we are selling the team to Steve, who will be a terrific owner,” Sterling said in a statement. “We have worked for 33 years to build the Clippers into a premiere NBA franchise. I am confident that Steve will take the team to new levels of success.”
Ballmer released his own statement revealing that he was “honoured” to have now secured the Clippers, and he promised the fans that he would do everything within his power to ensure that they continue to win and improve.
There has been no comment from Donald Sterling’s representatives as of yet following the announcement, and it remains to be seen whether or not he decides to take any action.
Sterling was banned from the NBA for life by commissioner Adam Silver and fined $2.5m after an audio recording was leaked of him making racist remarks.
Given the backlash that he received, it appeared inevitable that he would be forced to sell the franchise with both coaches and players insisting that they would find it difficult to work for the Clippers if he remained the owner.
COMMENTS