Former Microsoft exec to buy Clips

— -- Former Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer has submitted a winning bid of $2 billion to buy the Los Angeles Clippers, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

Sources tell ESPN's Darren Rovell that Ballmer's bid beat out bids from groups led by David Geffen ($1.6 billion) and L.A. investors Tony Ressler and Steve Karsh ($1.2 billion).

The $2 billion price tag would be the second-most ever for a professional sports franchise. The Los Angeles Dodgers were sold in 2012 for $2.1 billion. 

The news was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.