Quick Facts: LA Clippers
| Current Owner | Steve Ballmer |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Owner Since | 2014 |
| Purchase Price | $2 billion (NBA record at the time) |
| Bought From | Donald Sterling (forced sale) |
| Owner’s Background | Former CEO, Microsoft (2000–2014) |
| Arena | Intuit Dome, Inglewood (opened 2024) |
Who Owns the LA Clippers?
Steve Ballmer has owned the LA Clippers since 2014, buying the team for $2 billion in a sale forced by the NBA after owner Donald Sterling was recorded making racist remarks that led to a lifetime ban and mandated sale.
Ballmer stepped down as Microsoft CEO the same year he closed the Clippers deal, moving his considerable wealth and attention fully into basketball ownership after two decades running one of the world’s largest tech companies.
He personally funded the Intuit Dome, the Clippers’ new arena in Inglewood that opened in 2024, without the public financing many NBA arenas rely on — a reflection of the scale of his personal fortune.
As of February 2026, Bloomberg estimated Ballmer’s net worth at roughly $145 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people in the world, even after a steep paper loss when Microsoft shares — he remains the company’s largest individual shareholder — declined sharply in January 2026.
LA Clippers Ownership History
| Year | Event | Owner / Key Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Donald Sterling buys the team | Donald Sterling | Then based in San Diego |
| 2014 | Sterling banned for life, forced to sell | NBA-mandated sale | Followed leaked racist remarks |
| 2014–Present | Bought for $2 billion | Steve Ballmer | NBA record sale price at the time |
| 2024 | Intuit Dome opens | Steve Ballmer | Privately financed new arena in Inglewood |
About Steve Ballmer
Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 as one of its earliest business hires, eventually succeeding Bill Gates as CEO in 2000 and running the company until 2014, the same year he completed the Clippers purchase.
Since taking over, he’s been known for an unusually energetic, hands-on ownership style — investing heavily in the roster, front office, and now a self-funded arena — while also branching into civic-data projects like USAFacts.org.
As of early 2026, Ballmer and the Clippers organization are cooperating with an NBA review into salary-cap-related allegations connected to a sponsor relationship; Ballmer has publicly denied wrongdoing. He’s also been named as an early favorite in speculation around a potential future purchase of the Seattle Seahawks, though NBA/NFL cross-ownership rules would likely require him to divest from one league first.
Key Ownership Highlights
- The sale was forced, not voluntary: Donald Sterling’s ownership ended via an NBA-mandated sale following his lifetime ban in 2014.
- Ballmer’s $2 billion purchase was an NBA record at the time: a price that looked enormous in 2014 and has since been matched or exceeded by other franchise sales.
- He personally financed the Clippers’ new arena: the Intuit Dome, opened in 2024, without relying on the public subsidies common for NBA venues.
- Ballmer remains deeply tied to Microsoft financially: as its largest individual shareholder, holding roughly 4% of company shares even after leaving the CEO role.
- His ownership style is notably hands-on: known for high-energy public appearances and direct involvement in team decisions, a contrast to more hands-off NBA owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the LA Clippers?
Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO, who has owned the team since 2014.
Why did Steve Ballmer get to buy the team?
The NBA forced previous owner Donald Sterling to sell after he was recorded making racist remarks and received a lifetime ban.
How much did Ballmer pay for the Clippers?
$2 billion, an NBA record purchase price at the time.
Did Ballmer build the Clippers a new arena?
Yes, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, which opened in 2024 and was privately financed by Ballmer.
What was Steve Ballmer’s role at Microsoft?
He served as CEO from 2000 to 2014, after joining the company in 1980, and remains its largest individual shareholder.
