Silver Says Clippers Salary-Cap Probe Nearing End, No Timeline Given

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on June 3, 2026, before Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks. Silver declined to set a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation into the LA Clippers' potential salary cap circumvention. He said the time to wrap up the inquiry is drawing near.

"The investigation has been conducted by a law firm independent of the NBA," Silver said. "Yes, 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. " The investigation is being conducted by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.

It began in September and centers on whether the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through his $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration. Aspiration also maintained a $300 million, 23-year endorsement deal with the Clippers. Owner Steve Ballmer invested $60 million in the company.

Ballmer has denied knowledge of Leonard's deal or directing the company to enter into one. Aspiration has since gone bankrupt. Co-founder Joe Sanberg was sentenced to 14 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud.

Silver said the independent firm is far along in its work. He added that he would not issue a determination based on perception but would follow the facts provided by the firm. "I think it's clear they're far along.

I think those reports are reading all the time from people who are being interviewed by them," Silver said. "I think we're close to the point now where I think we need to wrap this up because you also need finality. " Silver also addressed reforms to the NBA draft lottery aimed at curbing tanking.

The league's board of governors passed the changes last week. "Tanking is not a new issue for this league," Silver said. "I think maybe what surprised us all a little bit is how quickly it became acceptable behavior in this league.

Silver said the perception of a very deep draft class this year may have compounded the behavior. On expansion, Silver said the NBA will reach a firm decision on whether to add teams in Las Vegas and/or Seattle by the end of 2026. Discussions remain ongoing.