Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Concedes to M NBA Fine After ‘Witch Hunt’ Outcry

Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Concedes to $30M NBA Fine After ‘Witch Hunt’ Outcry

Steve Ballmer accepts NBA's $30M penalty after calling probe a 'witch hunt'. Clippers face major sanctions over salary cap violations.

Editorial Desk

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to accept the NBA’s disciplinary actions following an investigation into salary cap violations, marking a shift from earlier resistance by team owner Steve Ballmer.

Ballmer, who had previously criticized the league’s probe as a heavily biased investigation, announced in a public statement that the franchise will comply with all imposed penalties. The NBA had suspended him for one year, fined the team $30 million, and stripped five first-round draft picks.

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The league’s inquiry, which lasted nearly a year and was led by an external law firm, concluded that Ballmer knowingly helped Kawhi Leonard secure off-court income deals. Ballmer apologized to fans, staff, and fellow owners, acknowledging the “distraction and distress” caused by the controversy. He also confirmed the fine has been paid, though he maintained some disagreement with the findings.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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