Sports

CA judge issues preliminary ruling in favor of Clippers sale

CNBC with wires
WATCH LIVE
Donald Sterling
Robyn Beck | AFP | Getty Images

A judge has ruled against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and cleared the way for the $2 billion sale of the team to ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Judge Michael Levanas sided Monday with Sterling's estranged wife in the case that arose after the 80-year-old billionaire was banned by the NBA for making offensive remarks about blacks.

Shelly Sterling sought the court's approval for the deal she negotiated after taking control of a family trust and removing her husband as a trustee after two doctors found he had Alzheimer's disease and couldn't manage his affairs.

Donald Sterling claimed his wife deceived him about the medical exams.

Read MoreSterling needs Clippers sale to pay debt: Witness

Sterling has vowed to fight the NBA until his death and is expected to continue to wage court battles to stop the sale.

—By CNBC.com with wires