Report: Clippers nearing landmark deal to own streaming rights

The Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer are weighing a new broadcast deal in which they would retain full ownership of streaming rights, according to the New York Post's Josh Kosman.

That's noteworthy because it would make the Clippers the first major North American franchise to control live streaming. As that market has emerged over the past decade, local broadcasters have traditionally owned those streams, offering free viewership to those who already subscribe to existing television services.

In taking over live streaming from the Prime Ticket network, the Clippers would control an ever-growing platform and create new revenue when they inevitably charge subscription fees.

There's "more than a 50-50 chance" that Ballmer signs the new deal, and the NBA would approve it, reports Kosman. The league would still retain out-of-market streaming rights.

Ballmer reportedly turned down a $60-million broadcast contract last year because he wanted control of streaming rights.

The Clippers' last TV deal with Prime Ticket expired in June. Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has been keen on technological innovations for the franchise, including reportedly exploring options for a new state-of-the-art arena.