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The Los Angeles Clippers have made strides to shake the negative stigma that’s engulfed the team since the Donald Sterling controversy dominated headlines earlier this year. With seemingly all of the tools in place to win a NBA championship, the team heads into the 2014-2015 season completely anew with a new owner.

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, now owns the Clippers after forking over a record $2 billion dollar fee. Rochelle Sterling, the estranged wife of the former longtime owner, sold team on her husband’s behalf after a clause in his contract gave her control due to his health issues.

The NBA approved the deal on Tuesday (August 12).

“I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers,” Ballmer said in a statement. “Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staff and players the support they need to do their best work on the court.”

Members of the Clippers, including center DeAndre Jordan, shared in the jubilation. “Thank You! And welcome…,” Jordan tweeted.

Coach Doc Rivers also issued a statement. “This is an amazing new day in Clippers history,” Rivers said. “I couldn’t be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization”

Photo: WENN.com