Cleveland Akron, OH, September 3, 2026 — The National Basketball Association (NBA) has levied severe penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers franchise for alleged salary cap circumvention. The league announced the disciplinary actions, which target both the team’s ownership and its personnel.

The penalties include a substantial financial penalty of $30 million levied against the team. In addition to the monetary fine, the Clippers organization will forfeit five future first-round draft picks. The owner, Steve Ballmer, has been issued a one-year suspension from league activities. Further penalties were also reportedly imposed on player Kawhi Leonard and other team executives, though specific details regarding their punishments were not immediately provided.

The NBA’s investigation centered on accusations of salary cap circumvention. The exact nature of the circumvention was not detailed in the initial announcement, nor was the specific timeline of events leading to the penalties.

Representatives for the Los Angeles Clippers have issued a statement denying the league’s findings. The team has indicated its intention to challenge the NBA’s decision through the appropriate channels. The specific grounds for the challenge were not disclosed.

The financial amount of the fine and the forfeiture of draft picks represent significant sanctions within the NBA. The suspension of an owner is also a rare and serious consequence. The league has not released further details regarding the penalties for Kawhi Leonard and other executives at this time. The timeline for the Clippers’ challenge to the NBA’s decision has not been specified.

Story summarized from the original created by AP via Scripps News Group on www.news5cleveland.com, see more information here.

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