“We were blessed,” Steve Ballmer said, “in two critical ways.” The ways go by the names of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
The Los Angeles Clippers unveiled the first details and renderings of their proposed Inglewood arena, a billion-dollar project funded by owner Steve Ballmer.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to really step our identity up another level,” he said. “I don’t anticipate making a change, but we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that is the kind of thing you somehow do in consultation with your fans.” James made his debut for the Lakers last season. For every viewer the Clippers drew to their broadcasts last season, the Lakers drew four to theirs.Ballmer would like more viewers for Clippers games, but he also would like to change the fundamental viewing experience.
However, the star power of Leonard and George could help Ballmer exploit an already favorable negotiating position.The Dodgers, Lakers and Pac-12 already have left the Fox Sports regional networks. Without the Clippers, the viability of the Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket combination could be in jeopardy, as cable and satellite operators might scoff at paying for two channels when the Angels, Kings and Ducks could be combined on one.
“They’re two steps removed from their customer, at a time the industry is going more and more direct,” said Ed Desser, the former president of NBA TV and consultant on the Lakers’ deal with Time Warner Cable, now Spectrum. “You sign up with Netflix, and you’ve got a direct relationship with the company that’s creating the content.
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