Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has accepted all penalties imposed by the NBA following a league investigation into salary cap circumvention involving star player Kawhi Leonard, reversing the team’s initial defiance. The NBA handed down $30 million in fines, stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks, and banned Ballmer from league activities for one year in a decision announced earlier this month.
Ballmer issued a statement on September 14, 2026, confirming the team had paid the fine and would comply with all sanctions. He apologized to Clippers fans, employees, and fellow NBA owners for the distraction and distress caused by the investigation, stating, “We are committing to put this chapter behind us.”
Core sanctions and timeline
The penalties include the largest fine in NBA history, totaling $30 million, and the forfeiture of one first-round draft pick per year from 2029 to 2033. Ballmer’s suspension prohibits him from participating in any NBA-related activities during the 2026–27 season. The Clippers initially vowed to challenge the findings, calling the investigation “heavily biased” and alleging it sought to justify a “predetermined narrative.”
Investigation findings and Leonard’s role
The NBA’s probe, conducted by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, concluded there was “a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations” benefiting Leonard. According to the report, Leonard received $66 million in cash and equity from four companies facilitated by Ballmer and Clippers executives at the behest of Leonard’s uncle and former agent, Dennis Robertson. Ballmer personally invested $60 million in Aspiration Partners, while the Clippers paid $22 million in consulting fees to Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance.
Leonard, who agreed to a $700,000 fine without contesting the sanctions, stated he had “no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap.” The NBA’s sanctions apply solely to the team and its ownership, as the league’s enforcement mechanisms for players differ from those for franchises.
Team response and future outlook
In his statement, Ballmer emphasized that while the Clippers disagree with aspects of the NBA’s findings, they would not contest the penalties. He framed the decision as a commitment to move forward, stating, “Team owners should support, not distract.” The Clippers have pledged to continue building the team and invest in the community, asserting confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level.
The NBA did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the team’s compliance or the specifics of the sanctions.