After three decades of his terrible reign, the Donald Sterling era is over. The new Clippers owner may look like Kevin from The Office, but Steve Ballmer is nowhere close to being incompetent as Sterling or the latter. The former Microsoft CEO is worth approximately $21 billion and on Tuesday, his $2 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers became final.
According to Ballmer's lawyer, Adam Streisand, the agreement between Shelly Sterling and Ballmer was finalized after Judge Michael Levanas signed the final sale order.
“I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers,” Ballmer said in a statement. “Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staff and players the support they need to do their best work on the court. And we will do whatever necessary to provide our fans and their families with the best game-night experience in the NBA.”
As part of the weird agreement with Shelly, Donald Sterling's wife will be named "owner emeritus" and the Clippers Number One Fan." The latter part has to perturb Clipper Darrell while none of this amuses Donald. The Clippers former owner is appealing to an appeals court to reverse the move, but it appears he's running out of legal options.
Barring any last minutes surprises there won't be any boycotts related to Sterling from members of the NBA Players Union next season.
