Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer agreed to pay $2 billion for the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday, which stands to be the most ever paid for an NBA franchise.
The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said Shelly Sterling — who last week received written authority from husband Donald Sterling to sell the team — had a signed contract with Ballmer that was sent to the NBA for approval. At least three-quarters of the league's owners must approve the sale.
The person said Donald Sterling does not have to sign off on the agreement with Ballmer, but Sterling's attorney has maintained that no sale can occur without his approval. Sterling and his wife each hold 50% shares of the team.
The sale price would shatter the previous record paid for an NBA team, $550 million for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month. It would be the second-highest price for a sports franchise in North America, trailing only the $2.1 billion paid for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012.
Shelly Sterling had pushed to find a buyer before Tuesday, when league owners are scheduled to vote on whether to terminate the Sterlings' ownership. The NBA declined to comment Thursday night.