VenuesNow (03/02/20) Gensler, Andy; Zoltak, James

Steve Ballmer, owner of the National Basketball Association's Los Angeles Clippers, is in negotiations to purchase the Forum from the Madison Square Garden Co. (MSG) amid a protracted legal dispute between MSG and the city of Inglewood, Calif., and Ballmer. "The Clippers continue to pursue plans to build a state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat basketball arena and entertainment complex in Inglewood and are currently working with the city to successfully complete the comprehensive Environmental Impact Report," the team said. "We are examining every possible way to resolve our differences with Madison Square Garden Co. regarding our new arena." Ballmer has wanted to construct a new stadium in time for the 2024-25 season on land about a half-mile from the Forum and next to the SoFi Stadium, which Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke will open for his team and the Los Angeles Chargers this summer. By acquiring the 17,505-seat Forum, Ballmer would remove a major hindrance to building a new arena. It is uncertain whether the Forum would host music events or exist at all following the new venue's opening. ESPN said the Forum would continue to operate at least until construction on the new Clippers arena was completed, and possibly longer.

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