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Aspiration Investors Add Steve Ballmer to Lawsuit Alleging Secret Kawhi Leonard Payments

The filing cites reporting on a $28 million 'no‑show' marketing deal as the NBA investigation continues.

Overview

  • The amended complaint, originally filed July 9, was refiled Monday in California Superior Court to add Ballmer as a defendant.
  • Plaintiffs allege Ballmer used Aspiration, now called Catona, to covertly pay Leonard in violation of NBA salary‑cap rules.
  • The suit says Ballmer invested more than $50 million in the company and enabled the alleged scheme to keep Leonard with the Clippers.
  • The allegations reference an asserted $28 million no‑show marketing arrangement with Leonard, and investors say they are seeking to recoup losses.
  • The NBA has an active probe into the Clippers and Aspiration; Commissioner Adam Silver has pledged a thorough review with no set timetable, and Ballmer denies wrongdoing, saying he was conned and had no role in any deal.