Oprah Winfrey reportedly interested in buying Clippers if Donald Sterling sells

Oprah would look to bid for the Clippers with Larry Ellison and David Geffen. (Jennifer Lourie/Getty Images)

Add Oprah Winfrey to a growing list of candidates interested in purchasing the Los Angeles Clippers if the embattled Donald Sterling is forced to sell the franchise.

The all-around media personality has reportedly expressed interest in taking over the team with longtime entertainment executive David Geffen and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, listed by Forbes in 2014 as the fifth wealthiest person in the world.

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The news comes less than 24 hours after new commissioner Adam Silver handed down a lifetime ban from the Clippers and the NBA and a $2.5 million fine to Sterling for racist comments that came to light over the weekend. In a recording that was made public, he said he didn't want African Americans at his games, among a slew of other racist comments.

Silver said he expects to receive the full unanimous support of the 30 league owners in exercising NBA bylaws that would force Sterling to sell the franchise he purchased in 1981 for $12.5 million. The organization is now reportedly worth at least $575 million, with Forbes ranking it the 13th most valuable franchise.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather said this week that he is "very, very interested" in purchasing the Clippers. Rumors have circulated that Magic Johnson, already a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is also interested. Billionaire real estate developer David Caruso and billionaire doctor and biotech investor Patrick Soon-Shiong have expressed interest as well, according to Jim Peltz of the Los Angeles Times.

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