Industry News

Clippers confirm plans to explore new arena

NBA basketball franchise the Los Angeles Clippers has confirmed that it has entered into a three-year negotiating agreement with the City of Inglewood that will give the team a window to explore building a new arena, training facilities and team offices in the city.

The agreement was unanimously approved by the council yesterday (Thursday) and allows the Clippers to consider building a new state-of-the-art facility on a 20-acre site close to Century Boulevard.

The proposed site is located opposite a new stadium currently being built for NFL American football franchise the LA Rams and LA Chargers.

The City of Inglewood will now conduct an environmental review into the plans. The arena would be completely privately funded, with no public money to be used during the construction process.

“Today’s announcement is consistent with what (owner) Steve Ballmer and the Clippers leadership have said for years – we want to be regarded as the best. That requires setting the highest bar for our performance in every aspect of our business,” said Gillian Zucker, the Clippers’ president of business operations. “To accomplish this goal, we must have options for the future.

“This agreement serves as an example of the team’s commitment to providing Clipper Nation with the best game experience in the NBA. It is another step in the journey toward building a championship culture that will deliver positive results for Clippers players, fans and the greater Los Angeles community.”

The Clippers currently play at Staples Center, the team’s home since 1999. The franchise’s lease for the venue expires in 2024, and Ballmer has confirmed the team will honour that lease.

The Clippers share the arena with NBA rival the LA Lakers and NHL ice hockey team the LA Kings.

Image: Michael Tipton