NBA announces closing of Clippers sale to Steve Ballmer following unanimous vote

The NBA announced Tuesday that the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has closed.

The league issued a statement announcing the change in franchise governor:

The transaction in which Steve Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers closed today following the entry of an order by a California court confirming the authority of Shelly Sterling, on behalf of the Sterling Family Trust, to sell the team.

The NBA Board of Governors previously approved the sale and Ballmer is now the Clippers Governor.

The $2-billion sale was cleared to proceed and ultimately close once a judge ruled against Donald Sterling's attempts to block the sale, which had been agreed to between Ballmer and Shelly Sterling. Ballmer had requested a written order from a judge that affirmed Shelly Sterling's ability to sell the team, and that written order was reportedly entered on Tuesday, clearing the final hurdle.

MORE: How the NBA takes a big step forward without Sterling​

The NBA Board of Governors had interviewed Ballmer on July 15 as part of their vetting process, and are said to have voted electronically on the transfer of ownership sometime last week, a vote that is said to have been unanimous.

Donald Sterling still has the legal right to appeal the court's ruling, but for the purposes of the NBA and the Los Angeles Clippers, this saga is finished.

Ballmer issued a statement, thanking the fans for sticking with the team through a tough time:

I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staffand players the support they need to do their best work on the court. And we will do whatever necessary to provide our fans and their families with the best game-night experience in the NBA.

Ballmer later explained of the exorbitant sale price that "It's not a cheap price, but...this doesn't look like the craziest thing I've ever acquired."

Clippers head coach and president Doc Rivers also released a statement:

This is an amazing day in Clippers history. I couldn't be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization. I am already inspired by Steve's passion for the game, his love of competitiion and desire to win the right way and I know our players and fans are going to be inspired as well.

MORE: Clippers' players react to closing of sale

Shelly Sterling, who is said to have retained the title of "owner emeritus" and "Clippers' Number 1 Fan" as part of the agreement, also made a statement:

I am confident that Steve will bring the city a championship in the very near future. I cannot wait for the new season.
...
I am thrilled that the Clippers now have such a wonderful new owner.

Despite earlier reports that 10 percent of the sale proceeds would be held for a charity run by Shelly Sterling, that is no longer the case and Ballmer owns 100 percent of the team..