Key Answer

The NBA salary-cap circumvention allegations involving Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration should not yet be regarded as a case with a final conclusion. Citing multiple sources, ESPN reported on August 17, 2026, that the NBA had found no evidence Steve Ballmer funneled money to Leonard through a team sponsor for the purpose of circumventing the salary cap.

Steve Ballmer pictured when he was introduced as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers; openly licensed image
Steve Ballmer pictured when he was introduced as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · Eric Garcetti

However, this reflects the status of the investigation as reported by ESPN. As of August 28, 2026, the NBA’s final investigative report and official disciplinary decision had not been publicly confirmed.

A report that “no evidence was found” does not mean the same thing as a final finding of no wrongdoing.

What Started the Investigation

In September 2025, the NBA hired the outside law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to investigate whether the $28 million sponsorship agreement between Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC violated salary-cap rules.

The key points publicly confirmed so far are as follows:

  1. The investigation included the $28 million Aspiration sponsorship agreement.
  2. ESPN reported that the NBA had found no evidence Steve Ballmer funneled money to Leonard through a sponsor for the purpose of circumventing the salary cap.
  3. The NBA’s final investigative report and official disciplinary decision had not yet been publicly confirmed.

The Clippers’ and Ballmer’s Positions

The LA Clippers and Steve Ballmer deny salary-cap circumvention and misconduct related to Aspiration. Meanwhile, according to ESPN, the NBA was continuing to examine whether the team’s introduction of Leonard to the sponsor violated salary-cap circumvention rules or its duty to supervise employees.

Therefore, what can be confirmed at this stage is not that the legality of specific conduct or any disciplinary action has been finalized, but that the investigation into the agreement and the team’s role was still ongoing.

What to Watch for Next

Reports also said the case could continue into 2027 if arbitration and appeals over potential disciplinary action proceed. This is a projection about future procedures, however, and does not mean the NBA has announced a final punishment.

Readers should look for three points in the next announcement:

  • Whether the NBA releases its final investigative report
  • Whether an official disciplinary decision is issued
  • What conclusions are reached regarding the Aspiration agreement and the team’s introduction of Leonard to the sponsor

Sources and Verification Date

  • CBS Sports, “Kawhi Leonard investigation: NBA lacks evidence Steve Ballmer funneled money for cap circumvention, per report,” accessed August 28, 2026: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kawhi-leonard-investigation-nba-lacks-evidence-clippers-steve-ballmer/
  • NBC Sports, “Kawhi Leonard, Aspiration saga could drag into 2027 due to arbitration on potential punishments,” accessed August 28, 2026: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/kawhi-leonard-aspiration-saga-could-drag-into-2027-due-to-arbitration-on-potential-punishments