Steve Ballmer Acquisition (2014)
Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and former CEO of Microsoft.
Steven Anthony Ballmer (born March 24, 1956) is an American businessman and investor who was the chief executive officer of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. He is the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and a co-founder of the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic investment company.
Quick Facts
- Acquirer
- Steve Ballmer
- Previous owner
- Donald Sterling
- Purchase price
- $2 billion
- Approval date
- August 12, 2014
- Role
- Owner and Chairman
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
Players and sportswriters generally consider Ballmer's ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers as an improvement over previous owner Donald Sterling, citing his willingness to acquire superstar players and finance the construction of Intuit Dome.
Reader's Guide
It is unclear from the source whether the group of Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick reached the Western Conference Semifinals or Finals in 2015.
Did You Know?
- Ballmer was hired by Bill Gates at Microsoft in 1980 and dropped out of the MBA program at Stanford University to join.
- Ballmer owned 8% of Microsoft when it went public in 1986, not when it was incorporated in 1981.
- Ballmer is a second cousin of actress and comedian Gilda Radner through his mother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Steve Ballmer in the context of the 2014 Clippers acquisition?
Steve Ballmer is the former Microsoft executive who purchased the Los Angeles Clippers from Donald Sterling for $2 billion in February 2014. He currently serves as the team's active owner and chairman, bringing immense financial resources to the franchise.
What was the significance of the $2 billion purchase price?
This record-breaking fee made Ballmer the NBA's most valuable owner at the time and immediately resolved decades of financial instability for the club. The injection of capital signaled a shift from neglect to serious investment in facilities, coaching, and player salaries.
How did this acquisition change the team's culture?
Ballmer replaced the toxic atmosphere left by the previous ownership with a passionate, fan-centric environment that prioritized winning. His energetic leadership helped transform the Clippers into a credible contender rather than an afterthought in the league.
When was Steve Ballmer officially approved as the new owner?
The NBA Board of Governors formally approved Ballmer's acquisition on February 12, 2014, finalizing the transfer from Donald Sterling. This date marks the official beginning of the modern era for the franchise.
Why is this event considered a turning point in Clippers history?
The sale ended an era of obscurity and scandal, launching a new chapter defined by stability and competitive ambition. It provided the necessary foundation for the team to eventually build championship-caliber rosters and upgrade their home arena.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Los Angeles Clippers
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