The Clippers believe an Inglewood arena deal could line up with their other philanthropic effortsCLIPPERS
The Clippers and the city of Inglewood are negotiating an estimated $100M "community development plan associated with the proposed new 18,500-seat arena that the team wants to open" in '24, according to Mirjam Swanson of the ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER. Inglewood City Manager Artie Fields said the potential agreement could "end up being the most generous in sports history." The Clippers have "indicated that they're receptive to the city's proposal, which they view as being in line with their philanthropic efforts in Inglewood and across Southern California." Inglewood also is requesting $12.8M in "grant support, targeted at city youth via after-school programs and scholarships." The city also wants development plans to include $6M worth of "improvements to the public library and community center and $500,000 for parks." There also is another request that the Clippers dedicate $5.5M to "cover a first-time home-buyer program and emergency support for renters for families facing eviction." Fields said that the plan also could feature a $75M "affordable housing component." Another request asks for general admission tickets for "Inglewood-based community groups to watch the Clippers in action" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 9/11). The Clippers said that the value of their "community benefit plan" would be the "largest connected to the construction or renovation of a stadium or entertainment venue in the state." Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker said that the "specifics of the proposed benefits were reached through discussions with Inglewood residents and city officials" (L.A. TIMES, 9/11).
