Ex-Microsoft chief 'offers $1.8 bn for Clippers'

Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has offered $1.8 billion for the Los Angeles Clippers, Forbes magazine reported Thursday, with owner Donald Sterling facing moves by the NBA to strip him of the club. Citing "a person familiar with Ballmer's interest" in the Clippers, as well as another source with knowledge of the bids Sterling's wife Shelly has received, the US financial magazine reported on its website that Ballmer's offer package "is strong." Shelly Sterling was passed control of the team last week by her husband, who has been banned from the NBA over racist remarks that became public in April. The league contends that under the terms of their franchise agreement, Shelly Sterling would lose her ownership stake at the same time as her husband if -- as expected -- he is told to sell up by fellow NBA owners.

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