A new streaming service unveiled by the LA Clippers this morning reflects the philosopy of the franchise’s chairman, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, about the role the NBA and its teams should play in shaping the digital viewing experience. “We need to define the future of watching basketball,” Ballmer said in an interview with GeekWire. “We’ll always do a better job of that than any distribution partner. Whether we distribute directly or through an ESPN or a TNT or an Amazon, or whoever gets into the business of distributing these things, the experience that makes this the best basketball possible… Read More
It was a bit of a throwback scene here in Seattle on Monday evening: Steve Ballmer revving up the crowd at the top of his lungs, and NBA hoops back on the hardwood. The former Microsoft CEO had Climate Pledge Arena roaring as he took the microphone at midcourt just before a preseason game between the Los Angeles Clippers, which Ballmer owns, and the Portland Trail Blazers. “I am so excited to have a game in my hometown of Seattle!” Ballmer yelled, pumping his fist and pacing around in his trademark energetic fashion. The game represented the first NBA action… Read More
Steve Ballmer isn’t able to jump out of a courtside seat and cheer on his Los Angeles Clippers in his usual enthusiastic fashion since the NBA returned to action last week. But the former Microsoft CEO and current team owner is still pretty excited about what’s he’s seen when it comes to games during the coronavirus pandemic. “I think it is incredibly well done,” Ballmer told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Monday about the league’s safety measures to keep team personnel healthy as well as innovations being used to engage fans who can’t be there in person. Ballmer said he was… Read More
With even more yelling and fist-pumping than normal, Steve Ballmer might not have seemed like an analytical guy to casual fans watching his LA Clippers come back from a 31-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff matchup earlier this week. It was the biggest comeback victory in NBA playoff history. But as listeners to our Numbers Geek podcast know, the former Microsoft CEO has a passion for numbers, as well. Earlier today, before recording a future episode of the show about the upcoming annual report on the U.S. government from Ballmer’s… Read More
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is never short of courtside enthusiasm while watching his LA Clippers compete, as we documented on an episode of our Numbers Geek podcast this weekend. But on Monday night, he took it to another level, as he witnessed a bit of NBA history as his team overcame the largest deficit ever in the playoffs with a 135-131 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers trailed by 31 points before mounting a comeback to stun the defending NBA champs at home in game two of the opening round series. Ballmer has owned the team since… Read More
