FILE: Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling watching the Clippers play the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason basketball game in Los Angeles. (AP)
Donald Sterling, the embattled owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, will surrender control of the team to his wife, who will negotiate sale, sources told The Associated Press.
Sterling now has until Tuesday to respond and can appear at the hearing in New York. Three-quarters of the owners must agree to terminate Sterling’s ownership, as well as that of his estranged wife, Shelly.
His attorney has asked for a three-month delay, which was rejected by the league. Shelley Sterling’s attorney claims she’s entitled to keep her 50 percent of the franchise even if her husband has to surrender his share.
Shelly Sterling, according to the source, wants to "have meaningful control" over the transaction.
"She has no plans to sue the NBA," the individual said. "She's trying to make nice."
The NBA charged Sterling with damaging the league and its marketing partners, and set a June 3 hearing for owners to vote on whether to force him to sell the franchise he has owned since 1981. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has already banned the 80-year-old for life and fined him $2.5 million on April 29, but is seeking owners to force the sale despite possible obstacles.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement Friday that the league is continuing to follow the process for terminating the Clippers' ownership.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.