When people talk about the NBA and business, the name Donald Sterling often appears. For years, he was a key figure in basketball, business, and controversy. The question many still ask is simple: what is Donald Sterling Net Worth today? His story is one of legal training, real estate empire building, ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers, and a forced exit from the NBA. This article explores his early life, career, family, and wealth in detail.
Who is Donald Sterling?
Donald Sterling is an American business magnate and former lawyer. He is best known as the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. Born as Donald Tokowitz in 1934, he built his fortune mainly in real estate before buying the Clippers in 1981 for $12.5 million. Despite years of being labeled a poor owner, he saw the team’s value soar, eventually selling it for $2 billion in 2014. Today, donald sterling net worth stands at around $4 billion in 2025.
Early Life
Donald Sterling was born on April 26, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents, Susan and Mickey Tokowitz, were Jewish immigrants of Ashkenazi descent. The family moved to Los Angeles when he was two years old. Growing up in Boyle Heights, he developed a strong sense of ambition despite humble beginnings.
At Theodore Roosevelt High School, he excelled in academics and sports. He served as class president and was a member of the gymnastics team. This balance of leadership and drive followed him into adulthood. In 1959, at the age of 25, he and his wife decided to change their surname from Tokowitz to Sterling. The move was partly for business appeal, as they believed “Sterling” carried a stronger financial image.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donald Tokowitz Sterling |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1934 |
| Profession | Businessman, Former Lawyer |
| Main Wealth Source | Real estate, Clippers sale |
| Net Worth 2025 | $4 Billion |
| Spouse | Rochelle “Shelly” Sterling |
| Children | Scott (deceased), Chris, Joanna |
| Notable Event | NBA lifetime ban in 2014 |
Education
Sterling’s path to wealth began with education. After high school, he attended California State University, Los Angeles, graduating in 1956. He later pursued law and earned his degree from Southwestern University School of Law in 1960. By 1961, he was admitted to practice law, beginning his career in divorce and personal injury cases. His legal background gave him the foundation to negotiate deals and later build his real estate empire.
Read more: Nate robinson height
Donald Sterling Net Worth in 2025
In 2025, donald sterling net worth is estimated at $4 billion. His fortune comes from decades of real estate investments in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and Las Vegas. At one point, he owned more than 160 properties, ranging from apartment complexes to commercial spaces.
The Clippers purchase in 1981 became another pillar of his wealth. Though controversial, the forced sale in 2014 brought in $2 billion, far above the $12.5 million he originally paid. Even after being banned from the NBA, Sterling remained financially secure.
Net Worth Table
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Main Sources of Income |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $1.9 Billion | Real estate, Clippers |
| 2014 | $2 Billion+ | Clippers sale |
| 2020 | $3.2 Billion | Property growth |
| 2025 | $4 Billion | Real estate holdings |
This steady rise highlights how his investments remained profitable even after leaving basketball.
Career Journey
Sterling’s career began in law, but his true success came in real estate. His first purchase was a 26-unit apartment in Beverly Hills. From there, he expanded rapidly, acquiring multiple properties across Los Angeles. One of his most notable deals was renaming Lesser Towers in Westwood to Sterling Towers and acquiring the California Bank Building, which he renamed Sterling Plaza.
In 1981, Sterling entered the sports world by buying the Clippers. His ownership lasted for over 30 years. Critics often labeled him as one of the worst owners due to limited team success and frugality. Still, the Clippers grew in value, and in the early 2010s, with stars like Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, the team became competitive.
The turning point came in 2014 when recordings of Sterling making racist comments became public. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned him for life and fined him $2.5 million. This scandal forced the sale of the Clippers, which his wife Shelly Sterling negotiated with Steve Ballmer. Despite the disgrace, the massive sale boosted donald sterling net worth significantly.
Donald Sterling Relationship
Donald Sterling married Rochelle “Shelly” Stein in 1957. Their marriage lasted decades, but they became estranged in 2012. Together, they had three children. The couple faced public scrutiny during the controversy in 2014, yet Shelly played a crucial role in finalizing the Clippers’ sale.
Sterling was also publicly linked to V. Stiviano, whose leaked recordings led to his downfall. This relationship was central to the NBA scandal that changed the course of his career.
Read more: Chip wilson net worth
Family
Donald and Shelly Sterling had three children: Scott, Chris, and Joanna. Tragedy struck in 2013 when their eldest son, Scott, died of a drug overdose in Malibu. The family has remained private since then, although Shelly continues to manage parts of their joint estate.
Sterling’s family has always been connected to his business life, particularly Shelly, who helped negotiate deals and manage legal battles. Their dynamic often mixed personal and professional matters.
Social Links
Donald Sterling has largely avoided public appearances since 2014. He does not maintain active social media accounts. However, coverage of his life continues across news sites and archives. Unlike modern business magnates who rely on digital presence, Sterling remains mostly offline.
Physical Appearance
Donald Sterling, now over 90 years old, is of average height and build. In his younger years, he presented himself as a confident attorney and businessman, often seen in suits and public events. Age and controversy have kept him away from the spotlight in recent years, but his image remains tied to NBA history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Donald Sterling net worth in 2025?
Donald Sterling net worth in 2025 is estimated at $4 billion, primarily from real estate.
How did Donald Sterling make his money?
He made money as a lawyer, then shifted to real estate investments, and later owned the Clippers.
Why did Donald Sterling sell the Clippers?
He sold the Clippers in 2014 after being banned from the NBA for life due to racist remarks.
Who bought the Clippers from Donald Sterling?
The Clippers were sold to Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO, for $2 billion.
Conclusion
Donald Sterling’s story is one of wealth, controversy, and legacy. His rise from a modest background in Boyle Heights to a billionaire businessman shows persistence and ambition. His time in the NBA ended in disgrace, yet it added significantly to donald sterling net worth. In 2025, his estimated wealth of $4 billion makes him one of the richest former sports owners in the world.