Clippers’ Steve Ballmer Tells Court He Was ‘Duped’ by Aspiration Founder

The Los Angeles Clippers were at the center of a major scandal involving an allegedly fraudulent endorsement deal this summer. A deal between a company called Aspiration and superstar Kawhi Leonard was allegedly used to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap.

2026 Mar 21; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The NBA is conducting an investigation into the allegedly fraudulent endorsement deal. Additionally, Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg will learn his prison sentence for his fraud conviction on Monday.

Clippers Owner Claims He Was “Duped”

On Thursday, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer shared a letter he sent to U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson that claimed he and the Clippers franchise were “duped” by Aspiration.

“Five years ago, I invested in Aspiration, a company focused on environmental sustainability, a cause deeply important to me and my family. I also bought carbon credits and trees through the company to reduce the carbon footprint of the Clippers, Intuit Dome, the Kia Forum and all our fans and patrons.

“Aspiration’s founder, Joe Sanberg, engaged in fraud that injured many, and eventually, took the company down. I was duped and feel silly about that. Everyone who believed in Aspiration, including employees, customers and investors, was also duped. Everyone is still tallying the losses. Here is the letter I submitted to Judge Wilson ahead of Monday’s scheduled sentencing of Joe Sanberg,” Ballmer wrote in a .