Steve Ballmer and Clippers comply with NBA punishments
8 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 4:31 AM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced compliance with the NBA's sanctions against the franchise on September 14, 2026. This shift comes after a prolonged disagreement regarding penalties related to circumventing the salary cap with Aspiration. The consequences include a $30 million fine, a year-long suspension for Ballmer, and the forfeiture of first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033. Ballmer expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the impact on fans and employees, and emphasized the team's commitment to competing at a high level despite the sanctions.
- •Ballmer will not seek legal action against the NBA
- •The Clippers face a $30 million fine and draft pick forfeitures
- •Team executives Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank also received suspensions
- •Ballmer apologized for the distraction caused by the saga
- •The Clippers aim to improve their standings in the Western Conference
- 4:31 AMESPN — Ballmer to comply with NBA's penalties, won't seek legal action
- 4:12 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer says he, Clippers will comply with NBA's penalties, not pursue legal action
- 4:11 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer Apologizes To Fans, Says He Has Paid $30M NBA Fine, But Does Not Admit Guilt
- 4:08 AMYahoo Sports — Read full statement as Steve Ballmer, Los Angeles Clippers accept responsibility and apologise
- 3:53 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer apologizes to fans, says Clippers will comply with NBA sanctions
- 3:34 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer announces Clippers complying with penalties assessed by NBA over Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention
- 3:34 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer breaks silence of Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention penalties
- 3:19 AMYahoo Sports — Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are finally complying with the NBA's punishments
"Steve Ballmer seems to have gotten to the acceptance stage of grief. Less than two weeks after — his word — “vehemently” denying the results of a year-long NBA investigation that found the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap and paid superstar Kawhi Leonard millions through no-show deals with sponsors, the team’s billionaire owner posted …
"Steve Ballmer shared a statement with the Los Angeles Clippers admitting wrongdoing in the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention case. The Los Angeles Clippers, and specifically team owner Steve Ballmer, were punished soundly by the NBA for their involvement in circumventing the league salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard.
"Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, in the wake of the NBA punishing his franchise for circumventing the league’s salary cap by “initiating off-court income opportunities” for star forward Kawhi Leonard, said...
Sources
External links- ESPNSep 14, 2026, 4:31 AMBallmer to comply with NBA's penalties, won't seek legal action
LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer says he is complying with the NBA's punishments of the franchise and will not pursue any legal action.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 4:12 AMSteve Ballmer says he, Clippers will comply with NBA's penalties, not pursue legal action
In saying he and the Clippers would accept the punishment, Ballmer also apologized to Clippers fans.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 4:11 AMSteve Ballmer Apologizes To Fans, Says He Has Paid $30M NBA Fine, But Does Not Admit Guilt
Steve Ballmer seems to have gotten to the acceptance stage of grief. Less than two weeks after — his word — “vehemently” denying the results of a year-long NBA investigation that found the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap and paid superstar Kawhi Leonard millions through no-show deals with sponsors, the team’s billionaire owner posted …
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 4:08 AMRead full statement as Steve Ballmer, Los Angeles Clippers accept responsibility and apologise
Steve Ballmer shared a statement with the Los Angeles Clippers admitting wrongdoing in the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention case. The Los Angeles Clippers, and specifically team owner Steve Ballmer, were punished soundly by the NBA for their involvement in circumventing the league salary cap to pay Kawhi Leonard.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 3:53 AMSteve Ballmer apologizes to fans, says Clippers will comply with NBA sanctions
After initially vowing to fight NBA sanctions, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced Sunday the team will comply with the league ruling.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 3:34 AMSteve Ballmer announces Clippers complying with penalties assessed by NBA over Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention
Steve Ballmer announces Clippers complying with penalties assessed by NBA over Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 3:34 AMSteve Ballmer breaks silence of Clippers’ salary-cap circumvention penalties
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, in the wake of the NBA punishing his franchise for circumventing the league’s salary cap by “initiating off-court income opportunities” for star forward Kawhi Leonard, said...
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 3:19 AMSteve Ballmer and the Clippers are finally complying with the NBA's punishments
After a long time of refusing to comply with the NBA's punishments, it seems Steve Ballmer and the Clippers are laying down their swords.
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