Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has been inducted as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, after a court cleared the sale of the team last week.

In an interview with ESPN, the 58-year-old businessman expressed his excitement about the recent developments, "It's very, very exciting. I'm a basketball nut," Ballmer stated.

Like Us on Facebook

"I've got time. I love Los Angeles. I love Seattle, too, which is where we have our home. But the notion of spending a lot of time in Los Angeles has been exciting to me for years," he continued. "The community down there is great. I look forward to supporting the community, the fan base, the staff, Doc [Rivers] and the players to take this thing to higher heights."

The board of governors of the NBA interviewed Ballmer on July 15, and they approved the sale of the Clippers' to the former Microsoft CEO.

A court earlier confirmed Shelly Sterling's authority to sell the team despite the approval of her estranged husband, Donald Sterling.  The sale was completed as soon as Supreme Court Judge Michael Levana's order was released.

In May, Ballmer's attempt for the team ownership encountered hurdles in the negotiation, after Donald Sterling flipflopped on his decision to sell the team.  Sterling had been pressured to sell his stake at the Clippers after making racist comments with his girlfriend.

Sterling blocked his wife's attempt to sell the Clippers to Ballmer, who made a $2-billion bid to buy the team. But the court later ruled in favor of Shelly Sterling, clearing the path for Ballmer's group to assume leadership.

Ballmer was one of the six serious bidders to acquire the Clippers ownership. His bid was the highest after a $1.2 billion bid from a group led by American business magnate David Geffen and another $1.2 billion from businessmen Tony Ressler and Bruce Karsh, and former NBA star Grant Hill.

Ballmer aims to meet the Clippers employees and fans through an event on Monday as he plans to travel to Los Angeles by the end of the week.

TagsSteve Ballmer, Los Angeles, Clippers, David Sterling, Shelly Sterling