Ten years ago, Ballmer bought the Clippers for 2 billion yuan. How much is it worth selling now? Netizens: Make a fortune!

In the NBA, the story of the Los Angeles Clippers is a legend. And the turning point of all this is inseparable from a name - Steve Ballmer. Ten years ago, he bought the Clippers for $2 billion, which caused countless amazement and doubts at the time. What is the value of this investment now? You may not believe it if you say it.

Time goes back to 2014, when the former owner of the Clippers, Donald Sterling, pushed the team into the forefront of public opinion because of his racial discriminatory remarks. The NBA responded quickly, banning Sterling and mandating the team for sale. However, the conditions offered by Sterling are extremely demanding, with a price of $2 billion and a cash payment. You should know that at that time, the price far exceeded the team's market valuation, and it could even be said to be outrageously sky-high. Prior to this, when the Brooklyn Nets sold, the transaction price was only $200 million.

Balmer emerged as many wealthy people were discouraged. He is not only a former Microsoft president with a net worth of over 100 billion yuan, but also a super rich man with a passionate love for basketball. He took the initiative decisively and took over the Clippers at a record price of $2 billion, a move that seemed to open a new chapter for the Clippers.

Balmer's ambition and determination were quickly revealed after the acquisition was completed. He knew that in the fiercely competitive NBA arena, in order to gain a foothold and rise, he must build a team with the ability to win the championship. For this, he invested heavily in paying high luxury taxes, introduced superstars such as Leonard, George, and Harden to form a star-studded and competitive lineup. The arrival of every superstar is accompanied by the media spotlight and the cheers of fans, and the Clippers' influence has been rising steadily in the league.

At the management level, Ballmer has a unique vision. He invited Lakers celebrity Jerry West as an advisor. West, a basketball operation master known as the "Logo man", has tailored a long-term strategic plan for the Clippers. Under his plan, the Clippers quickly transformed from a team hovering on the edge of the playoffs to a strong contender in the Western Conference Finals. The team's market value has also risen.

At the same time, Ballmer also made frequent big moves in the team's infrastructure construction. In 2020, he spent $1.25 billion to start the construction of a new stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles. This arena, called "Integrity Arena", is like a shining pearl and was officially put into use in 2024. It will not only become the new home court of the Clippers, but also a comprehensive stadium integrating music, entertainment, catering and other functions. It is expected to bring tens of millions of dollars in additional income to the Clippers every year and become the new city business card of Los Angeles. From then on, the Clippers bid farewell to the history of sharing the stadium with the Lakers and have a stage that truly belongs to them.

Ten years have passed. According to Forbes' 2025 NBA team value rankings, the Clippers' market value has reached 5.5 billion US dollars, ranking fifth in the league. Compared with the $2 billion it acquired at Ballmer, its market value increased by $3.5 billion. This is not only a huge commercial success, but also the best testimony of Ballmer's love for basketball.

If Ballmer chooses to sell the team at this time, the final transaction price will most likely exceed $6 billion, or even $7 billion. You should know that the Lakers' previous valuation was less than $8 billion, but they eventually changed hands for $10 billion. Therefore, the real value of NBA teams is far higher than their valuations, let alone teams such as the Lakers and Clippers that are located in the big ball market.

In fact, for Ballmer, who has a net worth of over 100 billion US dollars, the Clippers have long surpassed the significance of commercial investment. He once said affectionately: "Owning the Clippers is one of the best decisions in my life." This business giant interpreted with action that real investment comes from the pursuit of dreams and the persistence of love.