The Los Angeles Clippers are a prominent professional basketball organization based in the Greater Los Angeles area, competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as part of the Western Conference’s Pacific Division. Founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, the franchise relocated to San Diego in 1978 and then to Los Angeles in 1984, where it adopted its current name. Historically overshadowed by the more successful Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers struggled for decades but underwent a significant transformation in the 2010s, marked by the arrival of star players like Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, who ushered in the celebrated “Lob City” era.
A pivotal moment in the Clippers’ history came in 2014 when then-owner Donald Sterling was banned for life due to racist remarks, leading to the sale of the team to Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft. Ballmer’s ownership has been characterized by substantial investment in the franchise, including the construction of the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, which became the team’s home arena starting with the 2024–25 season. This move represents a major technological and business advancement, positioning the Clippers as a forward-thinking organization in sports infrastructure.
The Clippers have made consistent playoff appearances in recent years, establishing themselves as serious contenders in the NBA. Their current roster features high-profile talent such as Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul, and the team continues to innovate in fan engagement and digital experiences. With a focus on building a championship-caliber team and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the Los Angeles Clippers stand as a dynamic example of how sports franchises can blend athletic excellence with business and technological innovation.