Ballmer Wins Right To Clippers For Record $2 Billion

Once the forlorn franchise of the entire NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly netted the biggest sale in league history.

The Los Angeles Times first reported that former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has won the bidding war over the Clippers. The deal must receive the approval of the 29 other NBA owners.

The LA Times also said the deal must recive the blessing of Donald Sterling, who recently let his wife and co-owner Shelly Sterling do the bidding.

Numerous names were said to be considered in the bidding, including group led by music mogul David Geffen. The LA Times reported Geffen's bid was for $1.6 billion.

As recently as January 2014, Forbes valued the Clippers at $575 million. The New York Knicks topped the list at $1.4 billion.

This is not the first time that Ballmer has been mentioned in NBA circles. He, along with hedge fund manager Chris Hansen, failed in their $625 million bid to buy the Sacramento Kings in 2012

Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Mannix tweeted, "Ballmer group clearly hoping the local TV deal, valued at $20 mill per season, per Forbes, and expires in '15-'16, triples in coming years."