Image via Complex Original
Clippers owner Donald Sterling is going to cost his team a lot of money in the coming days, weeks, and months. Even if Clippers fans don't boycott Tuesday night's Warriors/Clippers playoff game—Tank isn't going to the game, but it's still TBD whether or not fans, specifically black fans, will show up—the Clippers are likely going to lose millions and millions of dollars in the near future because of the racist remarks Sterling got caught making over the weekend. And that's because many corporate sponsors are expected to cut ties with the Clippers and cost the team dearly.
We're going to keep an eye on which sponsors the Clippers lose in the near future by posting them here. Simply click through the gallery to see which corporations have pulled their sponsorships with the Clippers—and what each of them had to say about Sterling and his despicable comments.
CarMax
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "CarMax finds the statements attributed to the Clippers' owner completely unacceptable," the company said through a statement. "These views directly conflict with CarMax's culture of respect for all individuals. While we have been a proud Clippers sponsor for 9 years and support the team, fans, and community, these statements necessitate that CarMax end its sponsorship."
State Farm
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "State Farm strongly supports and respects diversity and inclusion in its workforce and customers," the company revealed in a statement. "The remarks attributed to the Clippers' owner are offensive. While those involved sort out the facts, we will be taking a pause in our relationship with the organization." (Ed. note: State Farm maintains that they have not terminated their relationship with the Clippers—yet—but they will not be working with the team for now.)
Virgin America
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "While we continue to support the fans and the players," a representative told TMZ, "Virgin America has made the decision to end its sponsorship of the L.A. Clippers."
AQUAhydrate
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "In the wake of Donald Sterling's alleged defamatory and intolerable comments, we have decided to suspend our sponsorship with the L.A. Clippers until the NBA completes its investigation," the company said in a statement. "We fully support the players and fans of the L.A. Clippers and wish them the best in the remainder of the playoffs."
Kia
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "The comments allegedly made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling are offensive and reprehensible, and they are inconsistent with our views and values," the company said in a statement. "We are suspending our advertising and sponsorship activations with the Clippers. Meanwhile, as fans of the game of basketball, our support of the players and the sport is unwavering."
Red Bull
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "We trust and respect the NBA's process to formally investigate the matter," the company said in a statement, "and in the interim, are suspending all team-related marketing activities."
Chumash Casino
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "We've always been proud supporters of the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the recent statements attributed to the Clippers' owner have forced us to reconsider our relationship," a spokesman for the company said in a statement. "We remain supportive of the members of the team and we wish them the very best going forward...We cannot ignore any statement that causes harm or hurts any group. As a result, we're withdrawing our sponsorship of the Clippers organization."
Sprint
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: “Sprint has suspended all marketing activities with the Los Angeles Clippers, pending the NBA’s investigation," the company said in a statement. "We deplore the reprehensible comments expressed in the audiotape.”
Corona
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "Like everyone else, Corona is appalled by the comments allegedly made by the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers," the company said in a statement. "These comments run counter to the type of brand Corona aspires to be. Because of this, we are suspending our sponsorship agreement with the Clippers until the NBA completes its investigation."
Yokohama Tire Corporation
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "Yokohama Tire Corporation does not tolerate discrimination in any fashion," the company said in a statement. "The alleged remarks by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling are completely unacceptable and we find it necessary to immediately suspend our sponsorship of the organization as a result. We will continue to assess the situation and weigh our options. Meanwhile, we wish to express our continued support to the Clippers players and fans."
Mercedes-Benz
Ended Their Clippers' Sponsorship On: April 28
Parting Words: "We're obviously concerned about the alleged comments attributed to the Clippers' owner," the company said in a statement. "We find these comments to be deplorable and completely against the values we promote as an organization. Our dealer group shares our concern and has moved to cease its sponsorship of the Clippers effective immediately, despite their affinity for the Clippers and their fans."