Fansided

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer looking to buy Staples Center?

By Jacob Rude

Jun 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view as a large American flag is unfurled on the ice during the playing of the national anthem before game two of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final between the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view as a large American flag is unfurled on the ice during the playing of the national anthem before game two of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final between the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made big headlines recently with his purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers, but he may not be done with shocking the sporting world.

More from Los Angeles Clippers

According to The Hockey News writer Ken Campbell, Ballmer may be looking to buy the Staples Center and, as a result of being bundled together, the Los Angeles Kings.

"While the Kings might not be for sale and AEG might not be looking for buyers, it’s not a stretch to suggest the company would sell the Kings if there were interest. And according to one person close to such matters, there actually is an interested buyer. Well, sort of. And it’s, get ready for this one, reportedly former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who recently purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion.The speculation surrounding Ballmer is that, according to our source, is in negotiations to purchase the Staples Center from AEG and the L.A. Arena Company (a subsidiary of AEG) for a price tag of about $1 billion. But our source tells us that AEG would only sell the Staples Center if the Kings were also part of the deal. That would push the deal to as high as $1.5 billion."

The sum of it is that AEG, who own both the Staples Center and the LA Kings, would own sell the stadium if the buyer agree to purchase the hockey team as well. While it’s speculation at this point as to whether Ballmer is interested in buying Staples Center, let alone the LA Kings, it’s certainly something to ponder, considering the big splash Ballmer has already made.

The thought process leading to the speculation is that Ballmer would rather own both the team and the building they play in instead of being merely a tenant; but, again, it’s purely an unsubstantiated rumor as of now.

Home/Los Angeles Clippers