Former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for two billion dollar after a court cleared the way for the sale. A Los Angeles judge confirmed Shelly Sterling could sell the basketball franchise over the objections of her estranged husband Donald Sterling. Mr Sterling, the owner since 1981, was banned from the sport for life after he was recorded making racist remarks. The two billion dollar sale price is the highest ever paid for an National Basketball Association, NBA team. Mr Ballmer moved quickly after the Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas signed the order authorising the sale even if Donald Sterling's lawyers filed an appeal.