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3mo ago

NBA Expands Probe Into Clippers’ Aspiration Deal as Contract Clause Draws Scrutiny

The players union calls the deal’s “beliefs” clause unusually broad.

Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The league’s outside counsel at Wachtell is interviewing Clippers officials and former Aspiration employees, and no findings or penalties have been announced.
  • The review focuses on 2022 agreements that paired Kawhi Leonard’s $28 million marketing deal and $20 million in equity from Aspiration with a reported $300 million Clippers sponsorship.
  • NBA agents offered mixed views on the contract terms, while the NBPA said the “beliefs” language favors Leonard but does not, on its face, prove a scheme.
  • Aspiration later went bankrupt with about $170 million in debts, and some former staffers alleged the Leonard deal was a no‑show arrangement to dodge salary-cap limits, which all parties deny.
  • League rules bar teams from steering extra pay to players through third parties, and any violation could bring fines, voided contracts, or draft penalties.