Sterling bought the team because his friend Buss encouraged him. Buss was the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers were able to move to Los Angeles because of Buss.
However, the two teams were worlds apart. Many Los Angeles fans never watched Clippers games. Sterling had long lost his patience.
The NBA's old labor contract expired this year. A new one had not been negotiated yet. There might be a lockout. A lockout meant that the NBA would lose money this year. He was waiting for a sucker to appear and buy his team.
And today, he seemed to have seen success.
He was the world's second richest man. He had so many assets. It did not matter if he squandered a little.
He had spent 12.5 million dollars to buy the team. Now, the team was worthless. Other than the Bulls, the New York Knicks were only worth a little more than 100 million. His team's record and popularity were much worse. It would be difficult to sell it for a high price. However, 70 million dollars should be possible, right? After all, this team was in Los Angeles.
"Hello, Mr. Feng. I did not expect to have the honor of eating with you."
Donald was stunned by Sterling's attitude. When did this guy become so polite?
"Hello, nice to meet you. Donald should have told you why I am here. Are you interested in selling the Clippers? "Feng Yu asked directly.
"Of course I'm interested. Otherwise, I would not have come. To be honest, I am a little reluctant. After all, this is Los Angeles. There are too many basketball fans here. "
Feng Yu curled his lips. Nonsense. There were many basketball fans in Los Angeles, but they were all Lakers fans. The Lakers had a long history. Even now, they were still a strong team. What history did the Clippers have? The team was at the bottom this year. Would there be fans who would be willing to watch it?
"It's good that you are interested. I know that this team belongs to you alone. As long as you agree, it will be fine. How much do you plan to sell it for?"
"How about 90 million dollars?" Sterling asked.
Before Feng Yu could speak, Trump sneered. "Sterling, stop joking. Last year, one-third of the New York Knicks' shares were only sold for 30 million dollars. How many people are interested in your team for 50 million dollars?"
"Trump, you can't say that. More than a decade ago, I spent 12.5 million USD to buy the team. Now, it shouldn't be too much to ask for a few times more, right? The ticket prices have increased so much, and there are more fans too, "Sterling argued.
"If it was the Lakers, it would be worth 100 million, let alone 90 million dollars. But it's the Clippers. I think 50 million is reasonable. The team had no glorious history, no famous All-Stars, and not even die-hard fans. What's more, sometimes, you can't use the original price to measure the current price. Feng Yu is also the owner of the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building has been around for many years, and its price had even fallen below its original construction cost. It was normal for the value of the team to fall, right? What's more, 50 million USD is not a small sum. "
"No, no, no. That's a building. As it ages, it needs more and more investment, and its value will naturally fall. But now that it's been renovated, isn't it rising? The team is even more different. Our team is working hard to get better. If it weren't for the injuries this year, we wouldn't have done so badly. "
"Is that so? But even if you guys made it to the playoffs, you didn't sell that many tickets, right? You all don't have any star players and no results. How are you going to attract the fans? "
"But this year, we might get the first pick. We can just pick a future superstar. I think that African American is a good choice." Sterling argued.
Feng Yu's eyes opened wide. This was the joke of the Clippers in the past. They had picked a player named Michael, but his surname was Olowokandi. In the end, it was proven that he was a fake first round draft pick. He might not even be worth the second round draft pick!
Originally, Sterling thought that this big guy could at least become Mutumbu, or maybe even Olajuwon!
"First, you have not gotten the first pick. Also, even if you get the first pick, you might not be able to play well. You are using a player who might not be successful in the future to ask us for a higher price? Don't you think you are joking? "Trump said.
Feng Yu likes Trump. This guy is very interesting, and he must have read up on him. If not, he will not be able to speak so clearly. This negotiation was so awesome that Sterling was almost speechless!
Sterling was helpless. He finally understood that Trump was here to help Feng Yu lower the price. In fact, Trump's words were very reasonable. If the Clippers were to sell for 50 million dollars, not many people would be interested. If they operated normally, they would definitely lose money. No one wanted to do business that was losing money, right?
"Then how much do you think is appropriate?" Sterling asked impatiently.
"I think 50 million is not bad. The price is reasonable. You can sell the team and invest in real estate, which you are most familiar with. You will earn much more than this."
"Are you kidding me? I bought it for 12.5 million dollars. A few years ago, the Houston Rockets sold for 85 million dollars. You want me to sell it at a loss? Absolutely not. 75 million is a reasonable price. After all, this is Los Angeles! And I can guarantee that the team will get the first pick this year! "
The league seems to be fair, but in fact, there is also under-the-table manipulation. Besides, if a bad team does not have a star player to stimulate them, when can they make a comeback? That will affect the image of the entire league!
"Back then, Houston had Olajuwon. Can their attendance be compared to the Clippers? What if the NBA shuts out next year? We will lose money, and we will lose a lot of money. You don't need to talk nonsense. We will not offer such a high price. 55 million is already very high. Don't ask for too much. "
In the car, Trump had asked Feng Yu about his price, but he did not expect Feng Yu to say he can accept 100 million USD.
Of course, if the price is lower than 100 million, Trump will get 10% of the difference as commission. That's why he tried so hard to lower the price.
The two Trumps argued for a while, and Feng Yu made the final decision. "70 million USD. I will bid once. If you agree, it's settled. If you don't agree, I will buy other teams. Maybe they will be cheaper."
Sterling pretended to be troubled, but in his heart, he was overjoyed. 70 million USD is enough to buy a good team. If the Clippers are not in Los Angeles, they might not be able to sell for 50 million USD.
"Alright. Feng, I agree. We can sign an agreement first, and I will report it to the league. Once it is approved, we can officially trade. "
Feng Yu stretched out his hand, and Ralph passed him a contract with the prices written on it. Feng Yu signed his name on the contract and passed it to Sterling. "Give me the contract after you sign it."
… …
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