For those fans unhappy the Los Angeles Clippers share the Staples Center with their Western Conference rivals, the L.A. Lakers, owner Steve Balmer is working on a long-term solution: Inglewood.
According to the L.A. Times, Balmer and Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, have held discussions about the Clippers joining the Rams and Chargers in their new stadium project in Inglewood, California. The FFA approved the new stadium in January, expected to open in 2019. The Times report the proposed arena would be nearby, or on the current site.
“Five people with knowledge of the conversations told The Times the arena could either be on the 298-acre site or an adjacent parcel. Either way, an arena would drive traffic to the planned mixed-use development and share parking with the $2.6-billion football stadium scheduled to open in 2019.”
Balmer’s long-desired his own stadium. The Clippers contract with the Staples Center doesn’t end until 2024. The Times reports Balmer would want to own the Inglewood land. The proposed arena would take more than a half a decade to develop.
Not factoring in the logistics and purely looking at the move on paper, it would be fantastic for the Clippers and the league to have their own arena in a primetime, well-populated area. The organization often plays second fiddle to the Lakers. Building their own arena from scratch would allow the club to more clearly develop their own identity.
Nothing is set in stone, but it’s encouraging discussions are being held. Let’s see if the billionaires can make a deal.
