CHART: Whoever Buys The Clippers Could Be Sitting On A Goldmine

Donald Sterling stands to make a huge profit if the NBA is successful in forcing him to sell the Clippers franchise. Even after that profit, whoever purchases the team could see even more growth if they can put together a consistently successful franchise.

Sterling purchased the Clippers in 1981 for just $12.5 million. In the first year of Forbes' NBA valuations (1998-99), the Clippers were valued at $102 million. Since then the team has grown in value to $575 million, with some speculating that the team could be sold for $1 billion.

According to Forbes' calculations, the Lakers are currently more than twice as valuable as the Clippers.

Historically, L.A. been a Lakers town. Yet, the team has struggled recently and the Clippers are a team on the way up. If they can grab hold of the heart of L.A. the difference in values could shrink quickly, a growth in value Sterling may never get to enjoy.