What allegations does the SEC whistleblower complaint against Aspiration involve?

The complaint alleged that Aspiration fraudulently misused funds to assist the LA Clippers in circumventing salary cap rules to pay Kawhi Leonard an incentivized bonus.

Is the NBA investigating the LA Clippers regarding Kawhi Leonard's contract?

Yes, the NBA is investigating allegations that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer paid Kawhi Leonard millions over league salary cap limits through an endorsement deal with Aspiration.

What is the current status of Aspiration and its co-founder Joseph Sanberg?

Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, and its co-founder Joseph Sanberg pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges and is awaiting sentencing.

Home / Sports / NBA Probe: Did Clippers Fund Kawhi via Aspiration Deal?

NBA Probe: Did Clippers Fund Kawhi via Aspiration Deal?

7 Mar

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Summary

Whistleblower claims Aspiration misused funds for Kawhi's bonus.
NBA investigates Clippers for alleged salary cap circumvention.
Aspiration founder faced fraud charges and company filed bankruptcy.

NBA Probe: Did Clippers Fund Kawhi via Aspiration Deal?

A whistleblower complaint filed with the SEC in 2023 alleged that Aspiration fraudulently misused funds to help the LA Clippers circumvent salary cap rules, potentially to pay star player Kawhi Leonard an incentivized bonus. The NBA is currently investigating accusations that the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer paid Leonard millions in excess of league limits via a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration.

Joseph Sanberg, Aspiration's co-founder, personally gave Leonard $20 million in company equity, though Leonard reportedly never appeared in Aspiration's marketing campaigns. Sanberg pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges last year and is awaiting sentencing, while Aspiration filed for bankruptcy in March 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice also charged Sanberg with fraud in March 2025.