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Steve Ballmer Moves to Dismiss Fraud Suit Over Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration

Ballmer's motion frames the investor claims as media‑fueled speculation.

Overview

  • The filing asks Los Angeles County Superior Court to dismiss Ballmer from the amended investor lawsuit, calling the allegations "sensational" and "patently false."
  • Ballmer's attorneys argue the complaint mirrors commentary from Pablo Torre's podcast and offers no facts showing any agreement to circumvent the NBA salary cap.
  • Plaintiffs point to a 2021–22 sequence of deals — a $300 million ClippersAspiration sponsorship, Ballmer's $50 million Aspiration investment, and a $28 million Kawhi Leonard endorsement — as the basis for their claim.
  • Ballmer and the Clippers deny any cap evasion and say they are cooperating with the NBA's ongoing review.
  • Key dates include Joseph Sanberg's wire‑fraud sentencing set for Feb. 23, 2026, and a hearing on Ballmer's dismissal motion on March 9, 2026, in Los Angeles.