LA Clippers (NBA)
October 2025
The league approved a $300 million jersey-patch sponsorship with Aspiration in 2021. A separate 2022 Kawhi Leonard endorsement with Aspiration is now under investigation for possible salary-cap circumvention. Aspiration later collapsed amid federal probes and bankruptcy.
Wachtell Lipton is leading the league inquiry. Findings could go to a neutral arbitrator who decides whether Adam Silver can levy penalties. Steve Ballmer says he was misled by Aspiration leadership and is cooperating with federal authorities.