Mayweather & Others Express Interest in Buying LA Clippers After NBA Ban on Donald Sterling, But Owner Says the Team is Not for Sale
The statement by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Tuesday urging league owners to force Los Angeles Clippers team owner Donald Sterling - who was banned for life in the NBA for recent racist remarks - to sell the team has generated interested just hours after the announcement.
Among those who have expressed interest in buying the Clippers are unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr and rappers Rick Ross and Diddy.
Money May, who is slated to fight Argentinean boxer Marcos Maidana on May 3, is a regular at Clippers and Lakers games. He said he is seriously interested in buying the Clippers and spoke with adviser Al Haymon about teaming with Mayweather Promotions Chief Executive Leonard Ellerbe, Gold Boy Promotions Chief Executive Richard Schaefer and others.
"I called Al today about that to see if me, Leonard and Al, and hopefully Richard and a couple of other guys, a couple other of my billionaire guys, we can come up with it," ESPN quoted Money May.
He added, "We are very, very interested in buying the Clippers. We'll keep the Clippers right where they're at. When I'm not boxing, I'm at the games all the time."
Ross, on the other hand, tweeted, "I'd be interested investing in $LAclippers!!!! Make It #WingstopArena @WingstopCEO Lets Goooo !!!"
Diddy also wrote, "I will always be a Knicks fan, but I am a businessman. #DiddyBuyTheClippers #NameYourPrice."
However, Sterling has stated he is not selling the LA Clippers.
According to Silver if 75 per cent of NBA owners get on board, they could force Sterling to sell the team. TMZ believes given Sterling's position, a legal battle for the ownership of the Clippers looms.