The Clippers are reportedly considering packing up their bags and moving out of the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The Clips may be relocating to the west side of the gargantuan city.
Clippers exploring potential sites for new arena. One area that intrigues them? Los Angeles' westside | https://t.co/P0pPM5pWI1
— Kevin Arnovitz (@kevinarnovitz) July 27, 2016
The Lakers, Clippers (whose lease runs out in 2024) and NHL’s Kings have been co-tenants since the 1999-2000 NBA season.
Per ESPN:
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has begun to explore potential sites for a new Clippers arena, multiple NBA sources said. […] The Clippers would neither confirm nor deny they are actively searching for a location, but one NBA source said that an area that piques the franchise’s interest is Los Angeles’ west side.
A new facility owned and operated by the team would afford the Clippers greater power to maximize earning opportunities, from sponsorship to licensing fees. As the owner of Staples Center, AEG retains control over naming rights, the business operations of running the facility for events and other substantial revenue streams like concessions. […] Sources with knowledge of the Clippers’ lease agreement said that, in many regards, the team operates as Staples Center’s “third tenant,” a condition that’s becoming increasingly tiresome to the organization. The Clippers receives a smaller share of proceeds from suites and club seats than the Lakers and Kings, according to sources, and a lesser say in scheduling and the overall fan experience at the arena.
One league source said the Clippers have identified six locations, all in southern California. At the Geekwise Sports Tech Summit, Ballmer emphasized he had no plans to relocate the Clippers. […] “The Clippers are not going anywhere, ever,” Ballmer said. “I will die owning the L.A. Clippers in Los Angeles.”
