The Los Angeles Clippers scandal finally comes to an end with former Microsoft CEO outbidding competition.
The Clippers players and organization can finally exhale a huge sigh of relief now that Donald Sterling controversy has finally come to an end. Former Microsoft CEO and Bill Gates’ personal right hand guy has been awarded full owner ship of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Ballmer previously has NBA history being the man behind the Sacramento Kings unsuccessful relocation move to Seattle last year. David Stern and league operators would reject the proposal early last year. When news surfaced Donald Sterling finally folded and allowed his wife Shelly Sterling to begin taking bids for the team last Friday, Ballmer quickly engaged in outbidding the competition at $1.8 billion dollars, then officially giving them a final offer of $2 billion this afternoon. The Sterling’s had until Wednesday afternoon at 5pm before all bids could be entered but felt comfortable with the former CEO for Microsoft.
Hit the jump for more on breaking news story and video conversation.
UPDATE: Steve Ballmer officially signs agreement to purchase Clippers for $2 billion.
He was also in previous competition with Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Group (owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers) as well as Universal Music Group’s own David Geffen amongst fellow LA-based investors Tony Ressler and Steve Karsh. The pending deal with require approval for the other 29 owners, which he’s reassured the team will stay in Los Angeles and not move it to his home in Seattle.
Now with the team staying in the country’s second biggest media market, the team will now quickly shift focus to a busy off-season ahead and looking to make minor changes to a roster featuring the tandem of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.
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