US EditionClippers Owner Ballmer Says He Had No Idea About Leonard Deal: Report
The NBA probes a $28 million endorsement deal linked to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard amid allegations of salary cap circumvention involving bankrupt Aspiration.
- On September 3, 2025, the NBA announced it was looking into allegations involving the Los Angeles Clippers and their owner Steve Ballmer related to a $28 million endorsement arrangement for Kawhi Leonard that was purportedly a "no-show" deal designed to bypass salary cap rules.
- The investigation follows a report by journalist Pablo Torre alleging the Clippers used Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company Ballmer invested in, to circumvent NBA salary cap rules.
- The Clippers have denied any misconduct and stated players may sign sponsorship deals with partner companies, while Ballmer expressed embarrassment over being defrauded by Aspiration executives.
- Leonard signed a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration in 2021 but reportedly never performed marketing duties, and Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
- If found guilty, the Clippers and Ballmer could face multi-million dollar fines, lost draft picks, contract voiding, and suspensions, while penalties might financially benefit the team by voiding Leonard's contract.
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Clippers owner Ballmer says he had no idea about Leonard deal: report
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer says he had no idea that a sponsor of his NBA club reportedly was paying superstar Kawhi Leonard $28 million for a no-work job.
·Missoula, United States
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The Los Angeles superstar Clippers Kawhi Leonard is the subject of an NBA investigation. The winger allegedly signed a contract of $28 million for a fictitious job.
·Paris, France
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Leaning Left1Leaning Right3Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
13%
C 50%
R 38%
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