- The NBA is actively investigating the Los Angeles Clippers and star player Kawhi Leonard over allegations of an improper $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal.
- The deal was with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company where Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was a significant investor, raising conflict of interest questions.
- Aspiration’s co-founder, Joe Sanberg, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a separate scheme, adding another layer of scandal to the company involved in Leonard’s deal.
- Despite the investigation, Leonard has denied any wrongdoing, and the team is attempting to maintain a “business as usual” front.
Clippers Under Scrutiny: The Deepening Investigation
As the Los Angeles Clippers kicked off their season, a significant cloud loomed over the organization. The NBA has an ongoing investigation into the team and its superstar, Kawhi Leonard, concerning a controversial $28 million endorsement deal. The allegations suggest the team may have improperly facilitated the deal with Aspiration, a sustainability-focused company that has since declared bankruptcy.
The Heart of the Allegations
The controversy centers on whether the Clippers helped arrange a “no-show” endorsement for Leonard. The situation is complicated by the fact that team owner Steve Ballmer was a known investor in Aspiration. This connection arose after the Clippers had already secured a massive $300 million sponsorship deal with the green bank in 2021, a partnership that was fully vetted and approved by the league.
The investigation gained further complexity when Aspiration’s co-founder, Joe Sanberg, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on Monday. While part of a separate case involving a scheme that defrauded investors of $248 million, his conviction casts a dark shadow over the company entangled with the Clippers and Leonard.
Leonard and the Clippers Respond
Kawhi Leonard addressed the investigation during the team’s media day, making his first public comments on the matter. He unequivocally denied any misconduct.
“There’s no wrongdoing there,” Leonard stated. “We’re just going to keep going as any other season. My name might pop up, but it is what it is. I’ve been through times like this before.”
The two-time NBA Finals MVP framed the situation as just another form of adversity in his career. Meanwhile, team owner Steve Ballmer has remained silent on the issue since the allegations first surfaced on September 4.
Team Unity Amidst Controversy
Despite the external pressure, the Clippers organization has projected an image of unity and focus. The players have been active in team-bonding events, showcasing their solidarity on social media as they prepare for the season ahead.
Several members, including Leonard and James Harden, were featured in a social media post painting furniture for homes in the Los Angeles area.
The team was also seen attending a Los Angeles Rams game together earlier in the month.
Will the All-Star Game Be Affected?
Despite the ongoing investigation, the Clippers are still slated to host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at their new Intuit Dome. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that there is “no contemplation” of moving the prestigious event while the investigation proceeds, providing a small measure of stability for the franchise’s future plans.
Image Referance: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/clippers/2025/10/22/kawhi-leonard-clippers-nba-investigation/86843699007/