Los Angeles Clippers’ 4-Year Anniversary under Steve Ballmer ownership
By Paul Tooke
As of May 29th, 2018, it has been four years since Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers franchise.
Before the Steve Ballmer era, the Los Angeles Clippers had a very different owner, Donald Sterling. For those unfamiliar with Donald Sterling, he purchased the San Diego Clippers in 1981 for $12.5 million dollars and was banned from the NBA at 80 years of age in 2014.
Sterling was recorded by his girlfriend making racist remarks about black people, which is already plenty of reason to approve of his discharge from the league. Other racist actions from Sterling have been recognized as well.
About a month later, Steve Ballmer gladly paid $2 billion for the franchise, stating that it was a low-risk business decision on his end with “real upside opportunity.” The price that Ballmer negotiated to was one of the highest ever spent on a sports franchise, and fans and NBA employees alike have been glad for Ballmer’s ownership ever since.
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Ballmer has seen stars such as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin exit the Clippers roster, but that has not stopped him from constantly rallying behind the team. Ballmer also plays an important role in franchise decisions such as both player and staff hiring/firing.
Although Blake Griffin was ultimately traded from the team, Ballmer played a big part in the pitch for his new contract last summer. He also was consulted before Griffin was traded away.
An NBA owner can make or break a team. Sterling attempted to break this franchise with his personal issues while Ballmer has helped make the Clippers the refreshing team that they are to this day. Ballmer has unveiled plans for the future and has captured our hearts with his genuine and amazing courtside reactions.
On the fourth year anniversary of Steve Ballmer purchasing the Clippers, we recognize and appreciate all he does for the team. His support and ambition for the franchise is and will continue to be unmatched.