The Clippers salary cap investigation has reportedly expanded from an NBA disciplinary matter into a federal criminal probe involving allegations connected to star player Kawhi Leonard.
According to The New York Times, federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into claims that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the league’s salary-cap rules. The report was published on September 10, 2026.
What penalties has the NBA imposed?
The federal inquiry follows substantial sanctions announced by the NBA last week. The league reportedly:
- Fined the Clippers $30 million
- Suspended team owner Steve Ballmer
- Stripped the franchise of five first-round draft picks
Losing that much money, the owner’s services and five premium draft selections is not the league’s version of a gentle reminder.
The allegations centre on whether the Clippers improperly avoided salary restrictions in connection with Leonard. The available report did not provide further details about the suspected arrangement or identify any criminal charges. An investigation does not establish wrongdoing.
