NBA Finds No Evidence Clippers Owner Funded Kawhi Leonard, Investigation Ongoing
The NBA concluded its review found no proof that Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard, but the league continues to examine possible sponsor-related violations by the Clippers.
The National Basketball Association said its investigation of Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer did not uncover evidence that he routed payments to star forward Kawhi Leonard through team sponsors. The league, however, is still reviewing whether the Clippers breached NBA rules by introducing Leonard to sponsors and whether the team adequately supervised its staff.
The NBA released a statement after an ESPN report, calling the article “numerous and significant inaccuracies” and noting that the league declined to cooperate with the piece. It added that the findings will be disclosed once the investigation is complete.
According to ESPN, the NBA presented its preliminary findings to the Clippers in July, and both parties are now discussing a resolution, which could still result in league action. The team and Ballmer would likely pursue arbitration if any penalties are imposed.
In a statement, the Clippers said they routinely introduce players to corporate partners, that Leonard and his representatives handled all endorsement negotiations, and that the team did not overpay vendors or provide favorable terms to funnel money to the player. The statement emphasized that a player’s endorsement relationship with a team sponsor does not constitute salary-cap circumvention.
The inquiry stems from earlier allegations that the Clippers used sponsor Aspiration to pay Leonard for “no-show jobs,” a claim first raised by journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA opened a new investigation in September 2025 after Torre’s reporting. While Ballmer has denied wrongdoing and expressed confidence in the team’s compliance, NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated that clear evidence would be required before any punishment could be considered.
The investigation also expanded to examine Leonard’s deals with other sponsors, Daktronics and Boingo. The ongoing probe affected a proposed trade that would send Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors; the Raptors said they would assume the risk of any potential penalties, prompting a temporary hold on the transaction.
The Clippers finished the season with a 42-40 record and were eliminated in the play-in tournament. Leonard, entering the final year of his contract, remains the focus of the league’s review as the team moves forward.