Donald Sterling Net Worth, How Much Money Is Donald Sterling Worth?
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Donald Sterling is an American business magnate and former attorney with a net worth of $4 billion. Best known for his controversial ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers, Sterling’s career spans law, real estate, and sports management. Let’s delve into the life and career of this enigmatic figure.
What is Donald Sterling’s Background?
Donald Tokowitz, who later became known as Donald T. Sterling, was born on April 26, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Susan and Mickey Tokowitz, were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants. When Sterling was two years old, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where he grew up in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he excelled as a gymnast and served as class president. Sterling continued his education at California State University, Los Angeles, graduating in 1956, and later attended Southwestern University School of Law, earning his degree in 1960. In 1959, he and his wife, Shelly, changed their last name to "Sterling," believing it would be easier to pronounce and could offer financial benefits.
How Did Sterling Start His Career?
Sterling began his career in 1961 as a divorce and personal injury attorney. Facing limited opportunities in prestigious law firms due to his Jewish heritage, he built his own successful practice. Alongside his legal career, Sterling ventured into real estate, making his first property purchase of a 26-unit apartment building in Beverly Hills.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Sterling continued to expand his real estate portfolio. Notable investments included the acquisition of Lesser Towers, two large apartment buildings in Westwood, and the leasing of the California Bank Building in 1976, which he renamed Sterling Plaza. By April 2014, he owned 162 properties in Los Angeles, along with additional holdings in Orange County, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
How Did Sterling Acquire the LA Clippers?
In 1981, Donald Sterling purchased the San Diego Clippers for $12.5 million, following the suggestion of his friend Jerry Buss, who had bought the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the Clippers’ struggles, Sterling pledged to invest heavily in the team. However, the team’s performance remained poor for many years.
Sterling attempted to move the Clippers to Los Angeles in 1982, but faced resistance from the NBA. He tried again in 1984, inspired by Al Davis’s move of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders to Los Angeles. Despite the NBA not approving the move, Sterling proceeded, resulting in a $25 million fine, later reduced to $6 million after legal disputes.
How Did Sterling Improve the Clippers’ Standing?
Despite initial struggles, the Clippers eventually found success. By 2013, the team was valued at $700 million. Under Sterling’s ownership, they moved to the Staples Center in 1999 and Sterling invested $50 million in a state-of-the-art practice facility in Playa Vista. The early 2010s saw a resurgence with the acquisition of star players like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul.
What Led to Sterling’s Controversial Exit from the NBA?
In April 2014, a recording of Sterling making racist remarks to his mistress, V. Stiviano, was leaked. The public backlash was immediate and severe. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the league for life, fined him $2.5 million, and stripped him of his authority over the Clippers. Silver also moved to force Sterling to sell the team.
How Did the Sale of the Clippers Unfold?
In May 2014, Shelly Sterling negotiated the sale of the Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion. This sale marked the end of Sterling’s controversial tenure as owner, but it significantly boosted his net worth.
What is Sterling’s Personal Life Like?
Donald Sterling married Rochelle "Shelly" Stein in 1957, and they have three children. The couple became estranged in 2012. Tragically, their oldest son, Scott, died of an apparent drug overdose in 2013. Despite personal challenges, Shelly played a crucial role in negotiating the sale of the Clippers.
How Did Sterling Build His Real Estate Empire?
Sterling’s real estate investments are extensive. He owns numerous properties in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Las Vegas. His portfolio includes residential complexes, commercial buildings, and luxury apartments. Notable properties include Sterling Towers in Westwood and Sterling Plaza in Los Angeles.
What Legal Challenges Has Sterling Faced?
Despite his success, Sterling has faced legal challenges. In a notable case, a Los Angeles jury ordered Sterling to pay $17.3 million to actress Robyn Cohen, who lost her belongings in a fire at a West Hollywood apartment building owned by Sterling. This case highlighted the complexities and controversies surrounding his real estate ventures.
Conclusion
Donald Sterling’s journey from a lawyer to a billionaire real estate mogul and controversial NBA team owner is marked by significant achievements and controversies. With a net worth of $4 billion, his impact on real estate and sports is undeniable. Despite facing numerous challenges, Sterling’s legacy continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis.
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