The National Basketball Association said Saturday that it would appoint a CEO to oversee operations within the LA Clippers organization, following a lifetime ban of its owner, Donald Sterling, handed down last week.
Also read: Donald Sterling Banned for Life From NBA for Racist Remarks, Fined
“The best way to ensure the stability of the team during this difficult situation is to move quickly and install a CEO to oversee the Clippers organization,” NBA EVP of Communications Mike Bass said in a statement. “The process of identifying that individual is underway.”
Sterling was fined $2.5 million and banned from the NBA for life following the release of recordings in which he made racist statements. The ban also means Sterling cannot participate in Clippers organization decisions or even set foot on Clippers property.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also urged other NBA owners to vote to force Sterling to sell the team.
The league also said it would begin selling “We Are One” t-shirts, fashioned after the phrase the Clippers adopted following Sterling’s sanctions. Proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will go towards anti-discrimination campaigns.