NBA Commissioner says Clippers salary cap probe must conclude soon

NBA commissioner Adam Silver states the independent investigation into the LA Clippers' salary cap circumvention must wrap up soon.

Clippers probe timeline urgent NBA commissioner Adam Silver refrained from setting a firm deadline for closing the investigation into the LA Clippers and their alleged salary cap circumvention on Wednesday. Silver, speaking before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks at Frost Bank Center, emphasized that the inquiry by an independent legal firm cannot drag on indefinitely. "The investigation has been conducted by a law firm independent of the NBA," Silver noted, adding, "Yes, ultimately we're paying their bills, but they are doing the work independent of the league office, and my instruction to them is we can't be investigating forever, but at some point we have to wrap it up." He stressed that accuracy remains the top priority, even as progress continues. ## Details of the Clippers investigation The probe, led by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, began last September and examines whether the Clippers manipulated the salary cap by routing funds to star player Kawhi Leonard through his $28 million endorsement agreement with Aspiration, a green banking company that also held a $300 million, 23-year endorsement deal with the team. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has denied any knowledge of Leonard's endorsement pact or directing Aspiration to finalize it, despite personally investing $60 million in the company. Aspiration has since filed for bankruptcy, and its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, received a 14-year prison sentence on Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud. ## Decision based on facts not perception Silver addressed suggestions that Monday's legal developments could influence the league's response to the Clippers investigation. "I certainly hear and read things all the time about the perception of what really happened or didn't happen here, and my only reaction is I think I wouldn't be doing my job if ultimately I issue the determination based on perception," he said. Silver explained that an independent firm gathers findings, which he then reviews to determine appropriate discipline if necessary. "My job is to follow the facts," he stated, noting that the process involves two independent steps before any conclusion is reached. ## Draft lottery changes approved Silver also shared updates on approved reforms to the NBA's draft lottery system, designed to reduce tanking. "Tanking is not a new issue for this league," he remarked. "I think maybe what surprised us all a little bit is how quickly it became acceptable behavior in this league. I think it used to be limited, frankly, to a small group of teams." He described a shift where a significant portion of teams seemingly pursued bottom standings, partly due to expectations of a strong draft class. "We ultimately concluded that we needed to take immediate action," Silver added. ## Expansion plans for Las Vegas and Seattle On potential NBA expansion, Silver repeated earlier comments that a decision on adding teams in Las Vegas and/or Seattle will be made by the end of 2026. "Discussions are ongoing," he said. "As I think everyone knows at this point, we are focused on Las Vegas and Seattle. There's multiple groups interested in both cities. We are in discussions with them." He clarified that no final decision has been made regarding expansion in one or both locations, but indicated that the Board of Governors aims to decide by December 31, 2026. ## European league launch preparations Silver discussed progress toward creating a new European basketball league, with talks underway to merge the NBA's plans with the EuroLeague. The league is set to begin play in the 2027-28 season, and prospective team owners must submit final bids by the end of June. "The structure [for the league] is in place," Silver explained. "So what we are planning to launch is, essentially, a 16-team league, with 12 permanent franchises, and then the ability for, frankly, any club in Europe to play [into] those remaining slots." He added that negotiations are ongoing with the EuroLeague, with hopes of integration, but the NBA will proceed regardless.