Shelly Sterling has revealed that she wants ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers to remain in her family.

Her husband Donald Sterling, with whom she jointly owns the team, has been given a lifetime ban by the NBA after being recorded making racist comments to his girlfriend, with the league now seeking to force the sale of the franchise.

She said in a statement to ESPN: "Commissioner Silver made it clear, that when he announced sanctions against Donald, that the NBA was taking no action against me or my family.

"This ruling applies specifically to Donald Sterling and Donald Sterling's conduct only."

Talkshow host Oprah Winfrey, music mogul David Geffen and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr have all expressed an interest in purchasing the team.