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1h ago

NBA Opens Investigation Into Alleged $28 Million Kawhi Leonard Endorsement Scheme

The case centers on Aspiration, a bankrupt Ballmer-funded startup whose co-founder recently pleaded guilty to fraud.

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Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, left, with Kawhi Leonard at Leonard's team introduction in 2019.
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Overview

  • Pablo Torre published bankruptcy and contract records showing Aspiration agreed to pay KL2 Aspire LLC, listing Kawhi Leonard as manager, $28 million from 2022 to 2025 at $7 million per year.
  • Reuters and other outlets report there is no public evidence Leonard promoted Aspiration, and contract language allowed him to decline requested actions, with payments reportedly tied to him being a Clipper.
  • Documents from Aspiration’s March filing list KL2 Aspire LLC as a creditor owed $7 million, and Torre reported payments were routed to Leonard’s advisor, Dennis Robertson.
  • Clippers owner Steve Ballmer previously invested about $50 million in Aspiration; the team issued a statement denying any salary-cap circumvention and said its relationship with the company ended in 2022–23 after a default.
  • NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the league is commencing an investigation, with potential CBA penalties for proven cap circumvention including fines, loss of draft picks and voiding of transactions.