Donald Sterling’s career as an NBA governor came to a sudden end in 2014 when he was barred from professional basketball’s top-flight division for life after audio emerged of Sterling making racist comments to his then-mistress, V. Stiviano.
Sterling’s professional career as a whole continued, however, much to the chagrin of those whom he dehumanized.
With the impending release of “Clipped,” FX’s new series that chronicles the scandal that led to Sterling’s lifetime ban from the NBA, many are left wondering just what the disgraced real estate tycoon has been up to in his years out of the spotlight.
The Sporting News has you covered, filling you in on what you need to know about Sterling’s life post-Clippers. Sterling has faded into the shadows since being barred from any NBA games and forced to sell the Clippers in 2014. It didn’t always seem like that was going to be the case.
In the immediate aftermath of his sale, Sterling railed against the NBA and its commissioner, Adam Silver, at any chance he could get.
Sterling called Silver and other NBA executives “a band of hypocrites and bullies” following his swift exit from the league. He also labeled his detractors as “despicable monsters” for their actions and vowed he would continue to sue the league in an attempt to have his riches returned to him.
As time wore on following his excommunication from the NBA, however, Sterling lightened up his critiques of Silver and the league. He formally settled his lawsuit with the league in 2016, retiring to his real estate empire — Sterling still owns a host of properties across the Los Angeles area.
In a 2017 interview with NBC News, Sterling explained that being pressured into selling the Clips was the best thing that could’ve happened to him.
“I was trying to negotiate the highest price I could,” Sterling said. “So if I would have voluntarily offered to sell the team, I wouldn’t have gotten the highest price.”
He settled his litigation against Stiviano as well. He also reconciled with his longtime wife Shelly after a few years of turmoil.
“I am as happy as I have ever been. I am as comfortable as I have ever been,” Sterling said. “And I don’t want to do anything to disturb that.”
Sterling still makes appearances around the city. In 2022, he was captured strolling about with his wife, per The Daily Mail.
His wealth hasn’t taken much of a hit, either. Sterling placed on Forbes’ billionaires list in 2024.
By and large, Sterling has remained away from the public eye in the years since his banishment. Only time will tell if that continues once “Clipped” is released.
Donald Sterling net worth
Per Forbes, Sterling is worth $4 billion. Much of that comes from his glittering real estate career: Sterling owns a series of high-profile properties, including the Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel.
