NBA unlikely to allow Clippers ownership transfer to Shelly Sterling
Donald Sterling is apparently willing to transfer ownership to his wife Shelly Sterling to begin negotiations to sell the Los Angeles Clippers.
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TMZ first reported that Sterling “just surrendered control to his estranged wife”.
David Aldridge tweeted the following:
Again: the NBA has to approve transfer of ownership. The NBA will not approve Shelley Sterling as an owner. That's why it isn't relevant.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 23, 2014
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne also stated that the NBA has not accepted the transfer of ownership and that selling the team in its entirety will be the key for approval.
The NBA has yet to accept the terms of this new arrangement between Shelly and Donald. She'll need to sell it all for them to consider.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 23, 2014
Despite previously stating that he was unwilling to sell the Clippers, the talks of transferring ownership is a slight improvement to Sterling’s willingness to accept his fate of no longer owning the team.
Whether the NBA will accept the arrangement is yet to be known, but letting Shelly Sterling sell the team on her terms may create some hold ups.
Sterling attorney Pierce O’Donnell stated:
"“Shelly Sterling’s preference has always been to find a way to resolve this dispute amicably with the NBA in a mutually satisfactory manner.”"
No further statements were made.