Donald Sterling’s LA Clippers are fast becoming one of the most valuable teams around, based simply on the number of potential bidders circling the franchise.
On the Money hears that former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is being urged by associates to move from software to the hardcourt if the NBA is able to extricate the team from Sterling’s hands.
Ballmer — now the No. 1 shareholder in Microsoft after founder Bill Gates sold shares — was spotted at a game last week during the barrage of media coverage about Sterling’s racist remarks to gal pal V. Stiviano, sparking suggestions he’s interested in forming a bid.
It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. Ballmer made a run at the Sacramento Kings last year and has long hoped to bring an NBA team back to Seattle (though reports suggest the NBA wouldn’t look favorably on a move).
Other bidders include Magic Johnson and Guggenheim Baseball Management; media mogul David Geffen and Oracle software CEO Larry Ellison in partnership with Oprah Winfrey; and MSG partner Irving Azoff, who is also putting together a team.
Of course, many things have to happen before the team comes to market, and Sterling is working hard against a sale.
The Post revealed exclusively on Thursday that Sterling has cancer.