Topline
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer late on Sunday issued an apology for the scandal involving his team’s alleged use of secret endorsement deals to pay star player Kawhi Leonard’s in violation of the NBA’s salary cap and said he and his team will comply with the league’s punishments—which include a one year ban on him.
Los Angeles Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer issued an apology and said he will comply with the NBA’s punishments over the salary cap scandal.
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Key Facts
In a statement issued on X, Ballmer said it was a “difficult time” for everyone associated with his team and expressed regrets over the matter.
Ballmer said he accepts full responsibility and apologized for the “distraction and distress this matter has caused.”
The billionaire added that the team wanted to “put this chapter behind us” and has informed the NBA that it would comply with all penalties.
Ballmer also noted that the team has paid the league the $30 million fine issued against it.
The statement, however, added that the team has some disagreements with regards to the findings as per the league’s internal probe but said he doesn’t want to focus on that.
What Else Did Ballmer Say?
“The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of,” Ballmer added.
Forbes Valuation
According to our estimates, Ballmer’s net worth is $155 billion, making him the ninth richest person in the world. In Forbes 2025 list of the NBA’s most valuable teams, we estimated the Clippers to be worth $7.5 billion, ranking them fourth on the list. Only the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks had a higher estimated valuation.
key background
Earlier this month, the NBA meted out a slate of punishments against the Clippers and Ballmer after ordering a third-party probe on the alleged salary cap violation. Ballmer was hit with a historic one-year ban by the league for trying to help Leonard “obtain off-court income opportunities” and for “approving a business deal that he knew was a precondition” for fintech company Aspiration to agree to an endorsement deal with Leonard. Aside from being fined $30 million, the Clippers were stripped of five first-round draft picks from the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033 NBA Drafts. Leonard was ordered to pay the league $700,000 in restitution but avoided a suspension. After the league’s announcement, the Clippers shot back saying: “We vehemently reject the NBA’s findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence.” The team then signalled they may pursue legal challenges, adding it would “vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available.”
further reading
Billionaire Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Suspended 1 Year Over Salary Cap Scandal (Forbes)
LA Clippers Salary Cap Scandal Faces DOJ Probe After NBA Suspends Steve Ballmer, Report Says (Forbes)
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