Sorry, Sonics fans but the big deal is (almost) sealed: A judge appears to have cleared the way for former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to buy the L.A. Clippers for a record-breaking $2 billion. In a tentative oral decision issued Monday, Judge Michael Levanas favored Shelly Sterling, wife of the embattled former team owner Donald Sterling — allowing her to move forward with the sale against her husband’s will, the Wall Street Journal reports. The judge noted in his ruling that "Ballmer paid an amazing price that cannot be explained by the market."Ballmer was previously part of an investor group seeking to resurrect an NBA presence in Seattle. While Ballmer may have abandoned the Seattle cause, group leader Chris Hansen issued a statement in the spring “assur[ing] Seattle fans that my remaining partners and I remain committed to bringing the NBA back to Seattle.” Would-be owners Peter and Erik Nordstrom, as well as team executive Wally Walker, reiterated their involvement in the investor group, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. — M.L.
Ballmer's L.A. Clippers
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By Berit Anderson
Berit Anderson was Managing Editor at Crosscut, following tech, culture, media and politics. She founded Crosscut's Community Idea Lab. Previously community manager of the Tribune Company’
Berit Anderson was Managing Editor at Crosscut, following tech, culture, media and politics. She founded Crosscut's Community Idea Lab. Previously community manager of the Tribune Company’