Steve Ballmer’s Business Portfolio
1Los Angeles Clippers
Role: Owner
Founded: 1970 (as Buffalo Braves; moved to LA in 1984)
Valuation: $4.65B
Focus: Professional Basketball (NBA)
Ownership: 100%
2Microsoft
Role: Shareholder (Former CEO)
Founded: 1975
Valuation: $3T+ (Market Cap as of early 2025)
Focus: Software, Cloud Computing, Technology
Ownership: ~4%
3Ballmer Group
Role: Co-Founder
Founded: 2015
Valuation: N/A (Philanthropic Entity)
Focus: Philanthropy, Economic Mobility
Ownership: Co-Owned with Connie Ballmer
Steve Ballmer’s Business Investment Timeline
- 2014: Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) for $2 billion, marking a significant entry into professional sports ownership. This acquisition demonstrated his commitment to building a competitive team and providing a premier fan experience.
- 2018: Ballmer founded USAFacts, a non-profit, non-partisan website that compiles and presents government data in an accessible format. This venture reflects his interest in data-driven transparency and civic engagement.
- 2020: Ballmer began the development of the Intuit Dome, the new home arena for the Los Angeles Clippers, located in Inglewood, California. This privately funded project represents a substantial investment in the team’s future and a commitment to creating a state-of-the-art entertainment venue.
- Ongoing Investments: Ballmer has made numerous investments in technology companies and startups through Ballmer Group, his philanthropic and investment organization, often focused on improving economic mobility and addressing systemic issues.
- Microsoft Legacy: While not a direct investment, Ballmer’s tenure as Microsoft’s CEO from 2000 to 2014 significantly shaped the company’s trajectory, overseeing its expansion into new markets and navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape. This period represents a key phase of his business involvement, where he drove substantial revenue growth and strategic shifts.
- Early Microsoft Years: Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980, becoming employee number 30. His early roles were critical in establishing Microsoft’s business operations and sales strategies, setting the foundation for the company’s future dominance in the software industry.
- Technological Advancement in Sports: Ballmer has focused on integrating technology into the Clippers’ operations, from advanced analytics to fan engagement platforms. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the sports experience.
- Philanthropic Investments: Through the Ballmer Group, he and his wife, Connie Ballmer, have invested heavily in initiatives related to education, community development, and criminal justice reform, reflecting a broad range of philanthropic business activities.