Sterling reportedly surrendering Clippers control

LOS ANGELES – Donald Sterling is turning his ownership stake in the Los Angeles Clippers over to his estranged wife, and she is in talks with the NBA to sell the team, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.

The individual, who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the deal, said the couple reached the agreement after weeks of discussion.

“Donald Sterling is out, and there will be new owners,” the individual told the AP.

Neither Shelly Sterling nor her attorney had any comment Friday. They have been in talks with NBA lawyers for the last couple weeks.

“She wants to be able to say, ‘I’m selling the team, not the NBA is selling the team,’ and have meaningful control over that transaction,” the individual told the AP.

Donald Sterling was banned for life and fined $2.5 million by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after the release of a recording last month in which Sterling made racist remarks involving blacks, which comprise the majority of players in the league.

Earlier this week, the NBA charged Sterling with damaging the league and its teams with his comments, and said he has engaged in other conduct that has impaired its relationship with fans and merchandising partners.

Sterling has until next Tuesday to respond to the charge. He has the right to appear at a hearing June 3.