In the year In November 2014, Gillian Zucker became president of business operations for the LA Clippers after nine years as president of Auto Club Speedway. Zucker in 2011 They represented the first major hires made by Clippers chairman Steve Ballmer since purchasing the team in the 2014 season, and Zucker was tasked with leading Ballmer’s vision to improve the franchise. The partnership is entering its ninth season in 2022-23.
Zucker sat down with The Athletic for an exclusive interview to discuss the Clips brand and how it has evolved over the years.
First thing I want to tell you: I asked you a while ago, I’m always surprised when I go to the NBA website, and it says “LA Clippers” instead of Los Angeles Clippers. That was an official change. You explained what’s behind this, how it’s not a big deal. But how do you explain it?
I think we’re the only team in the league where you don’t know which team you’re talking about when you say “Los Angeles.” It could be one of us. This wasn’t the same for New York, you know, the Knicks. Or Brooklyn, you know the Nets. And so I felt it was very important that there be a difference – when people see “LA,” they know which group they’re talking about. When people say “Los Angeles,” they know which team they’re talking about in the league rankings and rosters.
So that was the inspiration for it. It’s not an official change.
