The Los Angeles Clippers announced that John S. Gibson has been named interim Chief Executive Officer and Governor of the organization during the suspension to Steve Ballmer. Gibson will begin serving in the roles immediately. As interim CEO and Governor, Gibson will oversee the Clippers' basketball and business operations and represent the organization on NBA governance matters.

"I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years," said Gibson. "The Clippers have talented players, coaches, and staff, an extraordinary home in Intuit Dome, and passionate Clipper Nation fans who, like me, care deeply about this team. My focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward."

Prior to joining the Clippers, Gibson was a nationally recognized trial lawyer and litigation partner at DLA Piper in Los Angeles, where he co-chaired the firm's U.S. Business & Commercial Litigation practice. With more than 35 years of experience, he has advised and represented major corporations, technology and health care companies, professional sports organizations, and business leaders on complex legal and business matters.

Gibson served as founding chair of the United Nations' AI for Good law track, helping shape conversations around the legal and societal implications of rapidly evolving AI technologies. In 2025, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-considered to be the top 1% of trial lawyers in the country. His numerous honors include recognition by The Best Lawyers in America, the National Top 100 Black Lawyers, and membership in the Cosmos Club for "persons of scholarship, creative genius, or intellectual distinction."

Gibson, a long-time Clippers season ticket holder, is a graduate of Harvard University, where he was a John Harvard Scholar, and the University of Michigan Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review.