Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Billionaire Steve Ballmer has officially become the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, taking over from Shelley Sterling.
The $2billion sale follows a long legal tussle between Shelley and her disgraced husband Donald Sterling, who was fighting to keep hold of the team after the NBA banned him from ownership for racist remarks.
"It's very, very exciting. I'm a basketball nut," the former Microsoft CEO told ESPN.
"I've got time. I love Los Angeles. I love Seattle, too, which is where we have our home. But the notion of spending a lot of time in Los Angeles has been exciting to me for years.
"The community down there is great. I look forward to supporting the community, the fan base, the staff, [head coach] Doc [Rivers] and the players to take this thing to higher heights."
Rivers, who led the Clippers to 57 wins and the second round of the playoffs last season, is expected to meet Ballmer and discuss an extension to his contract, which has two years still to run.
There were rumours that Clippers players, led by star point guard Chris Paul, would refuse to play if Sterling remained in charge.
The previous record for the sale of an NBA team stood at £550m when the Milwaukee Bucks were bought earlier this year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments