David Kahn, Columnist

Ballmer Is a Win for the NBA

For $2 billion,the 58-year-old Ballmer hasn’t just bought a team. He has purchased a lifestyle.

June 3, 2014 at 7:38 PM UTC

David Kahn has been general manager of the Indiana Pacers, president of the Minnesota Timberwolves, head of the Oregon Stadium Campaign for Major League Baseball and is currently teaching two courses on sports economics at New York University.

Steve Ballmer's new day job. Ballmer and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at an Oklahoma City Thunder-Los Angeles Clippers playoff game. — Steve Ballmer's new day job. Ballmer and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at an Oklahoma City Thunder-Los Angeles Clippers playoff game.

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For years, Steve Ballmer has been approached by others -- begged even -- to lead a group to buy a National Basketball Association team for the city of Seattle. But until recently, his day job, running Microsoft Corp., prevented him from being the active NBA owner he likely envisioned.

Time is now on his side -- and money allows him to do this as a solo mission. For $2 billion, the 58-year-old Ballmer hasn’t just bought a team. He has purchased a lifestyle -- the opportunity to spend the rest of his days in his beloved basketball world and introduce his three sons to the family business.