LA Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer has rejected the idea of the franchise moving to Seattle.
In an interview with KIRO radio, Steve Ballmer has said that there is “zero chance” of the LA Clippers moving to Washington and that they are looking at options to build another arena in Los Angeles once their lease at the Staples Center expires in 2024.
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Seattle had an NBA team till the 2007-08 season when the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma in controversial circumstances. Since then there have been many attempts to bring a franchise to the Emerald City.
Most notably, the Sacramento Kings were set to relocate to Seattle before they ended up staying. Ballmer was a part of the group which was behind the initiative.
There has been constant speculation of the team moving to Seattle ever since Ballmer bought the franchise in 2014. However the former Microsoft CEO has shut down those rumors.
"In an interview with KIRO Radio the Clippers’ owner said, “No… Zero. Zero (chance). I don’t know — I don’t think the Lakers are moving, and we’re not moving the Clippers. LA is a great market. We paid a price that requires a great market to be in. The league doesn’t like teams moving. I’ve commented certainly publicly, we’re looking for options to build an arena in LA for the Clippers when our lease ends in 2024. I’m not looking at Seattle.”"
Ballmer has become a cult hero at the franchise with his avid presence and animated reactions during games. And after three sub-par seasons under his ownership, both Ballmer and the Clips fans will be hoping for some success next year.