NBA basketball franchise the Los Angeles Clippers is reportedly set to announce plans for a new arena later today (Thursday).
ESPN reports that the Inglewood City Council will vote today on a negotiating agreement with the team that centres on the construction of a new arena in the city. According to ESPN, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer would provide all the funding for the arena, which would have a capacity of between 18,000 and 20,000.
The venue would be located close to a new stadium currently being built for the LA Rams and LA Chargers NFL American football teams.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke plans on developing a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex in the vicinity of the team’s new stadium, and a potential new arena for the Clippers nearby would likely prove beneficial for all parties.
The Clippers currently play at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. The 21,000-seat venue also serves as the home of NBA rival the LA Lakers and NHL ice hockey team the LA Kings.
The Kings are owned by sports and entertainment giant AEG, which also has an interest in the Lakers. ESPN, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Ballmer is unhappy with the current ground-sharing arrangement, with both the Kings and the Lakers prioritised ahead of the Clippers when matches are scheduled.
ESPN added that the Clippers’ agreement with the council would give the team a three-year window to carry out the necessary due diligence before embarking on the project. The team’s lease to play at Staples Center runs until June 2024.
Image: Malingering
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