Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Oct 31, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer watches during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Intuit Dome.
After initially announcing their intent to fight the punishment handed down by the NBA for salary cap circumvention involving superstar Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer have now changed course.
On Sunday night, Ballmer and the Clippers put out statements accepting the league’s findings, as well as the severe punishments that came with them.
“This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets,” Ballmer wrote on X. “I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner.”
A statement from Steve Ballmer. pic.twitter.com/YvhdXA8dQf
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) September 14, 2026
So, what led to the change of heart?
Things Could Have Gotten Much Worse For The Clippers If They Fought NBA
In addition to the investigation by the NBA, the Clippers and Ballmer are now facing scrutiny from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and by fighting with the NBA, the team could’ve made itself more vulnerable on other fronts.
“Everything the Clippers were threatening to do, thumping their chest and going after the NBA to be disruptive and challenge the report, their lawyers are likely telling them, ‘hold on, let’s sit tight,’” former Department of Justice trial attorney Michael Weinstein told Front Office Sports. “If they go on offense against the NBA, everything they do becomes fodder for the government in its investigation.”
While losing five first-round NBA Draft picks and a $30 million fine may seem severe, it’s not nearly as bad as what the Justice Department could do to Ballmer.
Accepting the punishment won’t completely quash the SEC’s investigation. But it may well turn down the temperature a bit, which is a big win for the Clippers and their billionaire owner.