Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer has begun to "explore potential sites for a new Clippers arena" that would enable him to "develop the surrounding area," according to sources cited by Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com. The Clippers in January '13 agreed to a 10-year extension of their lease "that would keep the team at Staples Center" until June '24. Sources said that any move by the Clippers would "come after they fulfill the term on the current lease." A new arena owned and operated by the team would "afford the Clippers greater power to maximize earning opportunities, from sponsorship to licensing fees." AEG, which owns Staples Center and whose owner, Phil Anschutz, has a stake in the Lakers, retains "control over naming rights, the business operations of running the facility for events and other substantial revenue streams like concessions." Sources said that the Clippers receive a "smaller share of proceeds" from suites and club seats than the Lakers and NHL Kings -- also owned by Anschutz -- and a "lesser say in scheduling and the overall fan experience at the arena" (ESPN.com, 7/27). In California, Dan Woike notes the Clippers have interest in "at least three areas" in L.A. -- Westside, Inglewood (new home of the Rams) and downtown. Orange County "doesn't appear to be an option at this time" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 7/28).
