American businessman and attorney Donald Sterling still has the chance of owning the Los Angeles Clippers when the next NBA season will open, this IS according to NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Shelly Stein, Sterling's wife, has agreed to sell the franchise to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion but Sterling has contested the sale and has raised the issue in court.

With regards to the botched selling of the Clippers, Silver said "We're in essence on hold since that sale is being challenged by her husband as to whether she has the right. If the court finds in her favor, the sale will move forward. If not, we will move forward with our own proceedings."

According to Silver "No, I cannot say with certainty Sterling won't still own the team], and I can't say with certainty because it's in the hands of the probate court right now, and Donald is in the process of suing us for lots of money, and we're defending ourselves against those lawsuits."

He added "...I can say with certainty we are doing everything in our power to move Donald out as an owner in the NBA. And as I said, if the probate ruling doesn't go in our favor, we'll recommence our procedures under termination. The only reason I say I can't say it with certainty, it's possible some court would step in and stop us."

It can be remembered that NBA has banned Sterling for life as he has been found out on a recording telling his girlfriend to refrain from bringing African-American friends to games. The racist comment received an ire from NBA fans, players and heads which caused him a fine worth $2.5 million as well as an immediate push to force him into selling the Clippers.

This is going to be a long court battle before the Clippers will ever be sold. A lot of NBA fans have been opening up with their aversion to the Clipper's owner. NBA is putting all their effort to ensure that Sterling will be removed from the ownership of the franchise and it will be in time when the issue will be resolved.