Report: Kawhi, Daktronics had undisclosed deal
After publishing: 1 headline quietly rewritten, 1 URL changed2 changes
- newstribune.comseen 20 Aug, 07:42URL changed
now resolves towww.newstribune.com/news/2026/aug/18/nba-report-no-proof-ballmer-funneled-money-to-leonard/
- Japan Timesseen 3 Sept, 07:11headline rewritten
NBA hits Clippers and Steve Ballmer with historic punishments in cap circumvention caseNBA hits Clippers with historic punishment in cap circumvention case
After the peak, new reports halved every 9 hours so far - this story is still being covered, so the figure moves as reports arrive.
What it is about
Who published it, and when
+ 10 more outlets · 12 reports left out of the cascade - too little in common with the story to place
How it spread - 79 original reports, 3 reprints
Fri, 7 August 2026
17 reports- thegamenashville.com06:22first to report
Kawhi Leonard had an undisclosed sponsorship agreement allegedly worth millions of dollars with the company that designed the Clippers' videoboard, Pablo Torre reported on his podcast Thursday.
- iheart.com12:24
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com12:24
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com12:24
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com12:24
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com12:24
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- si.com13:47
The news that the Clippers star reportedly had a second undisclosed endorsement deal comes as the NBA world awaits the result of the league’s investigation into
- iheart.com15:00
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:00
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:00
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:00
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:00
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:15
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:15
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com15:15
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- iheart.com16:15
Kawhi Leonard's undisclosed sponsorship deal with Daktronics, linked to the Clippers' scoreboard, adds complexity to the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention. The ongoing probe has delayed Leonard's trade to the Raptors, with potential penalties looming for the Clippers.
- 92q.com20:45
Pablo Torre's latest investigation alleges Kawhi Leonard had another undisclosed endorsement deal tied to the Clippers.
Sat, 8 August 2026
1 report- canyon-news.com14:00
LOS ANGELES— Superstar Kawhi Leonard has allegedly received another sponsorship under the table from a company called Daktroniks.
Mon, 17 August 2026
7 reports- Google News - Top Stories15:23
Sources: NBA has no evidence Ballmer funneled money to Leonard via sponsors ESPN NBA reportedly has no evidence Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled payments to Kawhi Leonard Yahoo Sports "He's in trouble" - Tim Hardaway predicts serious punishment for Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer Basketball Network Draymond Green suggests dangerous precedent in Kawhi Leonard, Clippers scandal New York Post The league presented initial findings of its … HoopsHype
- iheart.com16:47
The NBA found no evidence that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation now focuses on the legality of introducing Leonard to Aspiration and other sponsors. An official resolution and potential penalties are still pending.
- iheart.com16:47
The NBA found no evidence that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation now focuses on the legality of introducing Leonard to Aspiration and other sponsors. An official resolution and potential penalties are still pending.
- iheart.com16:47
The NBA found no evidence that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation now focuses on the legality of introducing Leonard to Aspiration and other sponsors. An official resolution and potential penalties are still pending.
- iheart.com16:47
The NBA found no evidence that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation now focuses on the legality of introducing Leonard to Aspiration and other sponsors. An official resolution and potential penalties are still pending.
- iheart.com16:47
The NBA found no evidence that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard. The investigation now focuses on the legality of introducing Leonard to Aspiration and other sponsors. An official resolution and potential penalties are still pending.
- presstelegram.com19:58
An ESPN report Monday indicated that NBA investigation is moving toward a conclusion, but it’s unclear when and where it will land.
Tue, 18 August 2026
1 report- newstribune.com05:04
URL changednow www.newstribune.com/news/2026/aug/18/nba-report-no-proof-ballmer-funneled-money-to-leonard/
Following an 11-month investigation, the NBA was not able to show any proof Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard via team sponsorships to bypass the salary cap, ESPN reported Monday.
Sat, 29 August 2026
1 report- raptorsrapture.com19:00
Ramona Shelburne reported that the Clippers would be “fine with Kawhi being back on the team.”
Wed, 2 September 2026
24 reports- The Hill19:12
The federal government and the NBA are investigating video display and scoreboard manufacturer Daktronics in connection with a scandal involving the Los Angeles Clippers in which the club allegedly circumvented the league's salary cap to sign star player Kawhi Leonard. During Daktronics's first-quarter earnings call, chief financial officer Howard Atkins confirmed the company had received requests...
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- Google News - Top Stories20:35
NBA hammers Clippers, Steve Ballmer for salary cap circumvention as Kawhi Leonard avoids suspension cbssports.com NBA clears way for Leonard-Raptors deal Global News Kawhi Leonard on return to Toronto: 'Moving forward with a clean slate' Yahoo Sports NBA fines the Clippers $30M, penalizes Kawhi Leonard $700,000 in cap circumvention case 10TV Kawhi Leonard Makes First Remarks After NBA's Cap Circumvention Punishment si.com
- iheart.com20:35
The NBA penalized the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for salary cap violations. The Clippers face a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, while Leonard must pay $700,000. The investigation revealed improper financial benefits through sponsor introductions. The Clippers may contest ...
- Google News - Top Stories20:40
NBA docks Clippers 5 first-round picks, $30 million fine after Kawhi Leonard investigation The New York Times NBA strips Clippers of 5 first-round draft picks, fines Steve Ballmer $30M in Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention probe Yahoo Sports NBA suspends Clippers owner Ballmer for one year in Kawhi Leonard salary cap probe CNBC NBA Imposes Historic Punishment on the Clippers and Steve Ballmer in Salary Cap Scandal WSJ NBA announces penalties and findings arising from investigation of LA...
- toronto.citynews.ca20:48
Leonard will not be suspended or have his contract voided, clearing the way for his trade to the Toronto Raptors to go through.
- The Guardian World20:52
Team circumvented salary cap rules to sign star Owner Steve Ballmer lands one-year ban The NBA has handed down one of the biggest punishments in the history of the league to the Los Angeles Clippers after finding that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules when it courted Kawhi Leonard as a free agent. The league has stripped the team of five first-round draft picks, giving the team no natural pick in the draft from 2029 through 2033. Continue reading...
- nbcbayarea.com20:55
- fortmorgantimes.com21:07
Owner Steve Ballmer suspended from all league and team activities for a year and other executives suspended after the league finds the team circumvented salary-cap rules.
1 reprint
- sbsun.com2 Sept, 21:04their copy
- BBC News World21:08
The LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.
- behindthebuckpass.com21:18
The NBA has dropped the hammer on Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, and the Milwaukee Bucks could be next.
- Channel News Asia21:28
- Channel News Asia21:28
- themorningsun.com21:28
2 reprints from 1 outlet
- Google News - Top Stories2 Sept, 21:59their copy
- Google News - Top Stories2 Sept, 23:24their copy
- NPR News21:59
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year by the NBA, and the team was ordered to pay $30 million for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving Kawhi Leonard.
- bleacherreport.com22:00
The Los Angeles Clippers plan to appeal the NBA's significant list of punishments the league announced Wednesday following an investigation into the franchise and Kawhi Leonard.
- bleacherreport.com22:00
The NBA announced Wednesday an independent investigation found the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations" and punished the team, Kawhi Leonard and the seven-time All-Star's previous business manager, Dennis Robertson, "for violating the salary cap circumvention rules contained in the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement."
- bleacherreport.com22:00
Kawhi Leonard will pay $700,000 in restitution after an investigation by the NBA found that he and the Los Angeles Clippers had violated the salary cap circumvention rules.
- The Hill22:38
The NBA on Wednesday announced sweeping sanctions against the Los Angeles Clippers for what the league said was an intentional effort to circumvent its salary cap by funneling money to star player Kawhi Leonard through endorsement opportunities and other income in order to sign him in 2024. The Clippers initiated "off-court income opportunities" between Leonard...
- Japan Times23:51edited after publishing
previously
NBA hits Clippers and Steve Ballmer with historic punishments in cap circumvention caseThe NBA's investigation, conducted independently over the course of a year, "found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization."
Thu, 3 September 2026
21 reports- ABC News (Australia)00:01
The NBA suspends LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and fines the team $41.5 million for "flagrant violations" of the salary cap rules, with Kawhi Leonard also fined.
- Der Spiegel (Germany)00:08
Profibasketballer verdienen fürstlich – aber in diesem Fall gingen die Los Angeles Clippers zu weit. Wegen Schindluder bei der Bezahlung von Kawhi Leonard verhängt die NBA harte Strafen. Im Club ist man entrüstet.
- Google News - Top Stories00:09
NBA punishes Clippers after Kawhi investigation: Top questions ESPN NBA announces punishments for LA Clippers after Kawhi probe ESPN Indiana Pacers Hit With Good News After Clippers Penalized by NBA Yahoo Sports NBA Imposes Historic Punishment on the Clippers and Steve Ballmer in Salary Cap Scandal WSJ Commentary: NBA drops the hammer on The Cheatin’ Clippers, and they can't shed the stink Los Angeles Times
- Google News - Top Stories02:59
Raptors-Clippers Trade Expected To Be Finalized ‘In The Next Couple Of Days’ Hoops Rumors NBA announces punishments for LA Clippers after Kawhi probe ESPN Kawhi Leonard gets best-case scenario, leaves Clippers in the dust after NBA investigation CBS Sports NBA suspends Clippers owner Ballmer; fines team, Kawhi Leonard in cap circumvention case WAVY.com “Is This Eating Crow?”: NBA Fans Dunk on “Team Ballmer” Representative Mark Cuban After He Congratulates Pablo Torre for Successful Clippers...
- Index.hr (Croatia)05:49
NBA LIGA je drastično kaznila LA Clipperse i Kawhija Leonarda zbog kršenja pravila o salary capu.
- 24sata (Croatia)06:01
NBA je brutalno kaznila Clipperse i Kawhija Leonarda: oduzeto im je 5 pickova, klub plaća 30 mil. dolara, a Steve Ballmer i čelnici dobili su teške suspenzije
- Telegram.hr (Croatia)07:25
Dokazano je namjerno zaobilaženje salary capa
- Al Jazeera English08:17
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer suspended for one year; team disputes league's conclusions and validity of investigation.
- El País (Spain)08:30
La competición quita cinco selecciones futuras del ‘draft’, multa con 30 millones de dólares y suspende al dueño del equipo por facilitar un sobresueldo a la estrella
- Times of India08:32
The NBA has fined the LA Clippers $30 million and taken five future draft picks. Team executives received suspensions for their roles in salary cap violations. Investigators found suspicious financial links between companies and the Clippers organization. The league also noted improper payments and benefits provided to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers are expected to challenge these significant penalties imposed by the NBA.
- ABC (Spain)09:35
La NBA ha cerrado este miércoles la investigación más severa de los últimos años contra una de sus franquicias. Tras casi un año indagando, la liga considera que Los Angeles Clippers se saltaron el límite salarial —norma que fija cuánto puede gastar cada equipo en fichas de jugadores para mantener el equilibrio competitivo— con maniobras irregulares para retener a su estrella, Kawhi Leonard . La sanción es severa: los Clippers pierden cinco primeras rondas consecutivas (entre 2029 y 2033), su...
- Times of India10:00
The NBA has delivered a harsh blow to the Los Angeles Clippers, penalizing them for salary-cap violations linked to Kawhi Leonard. The repercussions include forfeiting five first-round draft picks and substantial financial penalties, alongside suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer and several executives. Leonard himself faced a fine of $700,000. In response, the Clippers dispute the allegations and are gearing up to challenge the league's decision.
- Google News - Top Stories11:00
Commentary: Kawhi Leonard is a Hall of Fame scam artist who deserves Clippers fans' boos Los Angeles Times Why Kawhi Leonard investigation is a risky win for the Toronto Raptors Sportsnet.ca Mark Cuban congratulates Pablo Torre after NBA delivers major punishment to Clippers Dallas News Steve Ballmer and the Clippers Get the NBA’s Doomsday Hammer WSJ NBA insider reveals timeline for Kawhi Leonard-Raptors trade after Clippers punishment Yahoo Sports
- Google News - Top Stories14:56
6 winners, 5 losers from Kawhi Leonard scandal after Clippers get hit with NBA ‘death penalty’ SB Nation After NBA punishes Clippers, league insiders debate whether penalties were enough NBC News Commentary: Kawhi Leonard is a Hall of Fame scam artist who deserves Clippers fans' boos Los Angeles Times Was Kawhi Leonard's punishment too light? 'I think it could have been worse' Yahoo Sports NBA announces penalties and findings arising from investigation of LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard NBA.com
- Anadolu Agency (AA)16:34
LA club to be fined $30M in addition to loss of first-round draft picks for violating league salary cap rules
- Google News - Top Stories16:54
Kawhi investigation fallout: How the Clippers' roster is affected ESPN After NBA punishes Clippers, league insiders debate whether penalties were enough NBC News Steve Ballmer banned from NBA functions for year. What does a suspension look like for an owner? The New York Times By dropping a sledgehammer, Adam Silver squares off against NBA’s richest owner Yahoo Sports Steve Ballmer, suspended Clippers owner, has deep roots in Detroit The Detroit News
- Index.hr (Croatia)17:13
NBA LIGA objavila je drastične kazne za LA Clipperse i Kawhija Leonarda zbog zaobilaženja pravila o gornjoj granici plaća (salary cap).
- chinadaily.com.cn21:55
The NBA imposed a sweeping punishment against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for violating salary cap circumvention rules, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks.
- chinadaily.com.cn21:55
The NBA imposed a sweeping punishment against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday for violating salary cap circumvention rules, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks.
- PBS NewsHour22:35
The NBA handed out one of its harshest penalties ever against the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with star forward Kawhi Leonard. The league suspended the team's owner, stripped draft picks and fined the Clippers $30 million. William Brangham discussed more with David Aldridge of The Athletic.
- PBS NewsHour22:35
The NBA handed out one of its harshest penalties ever against the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with star forward Kawhi Leonard. The league suspended the team's owner, stripped draft picks and fined the Clippers $30 million. William Brangham discussed more with David Aldridge of The Athletic.
Fri, 4 September 2026
7 reports- Google News - Top Stories00:30
Pablo Torre Sounds Off on the Clippers Ruling, Kawhi Leonard and ESPN variety.com Kawhi investigation fallout: How the Clippers' roster is affected ESPN Clippers Could Get Another Punishment For Kawhi Leonard Drama Yahoo Sports Major Kansas City employer is named in NBA investigation alleging salary violations Kansas City Star Clippers Vow to Fight NBA’s $30 Million Fine and Historic Draft Pick Penalties Yahoo Sports
- iheart.com06:00
<p>Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says ICE agents could be deployed to polling places this November. The NBA hits the Clippers with a $30 million fine and five lost first-round picks over a Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal. And Howard University's win over Alabama A&M draws 1.2 ...
- iheart.com06:00
<p>Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says ICE agents could be deployed to polling places this November. The NBA hits the Clippers with a $30 million fine and five lost first-round picks over a Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal. And Howard University's win over Alabama A&M draws 1.2 ...
- iheart.com06:00
<p>Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin says ICE agents could be deployed to polling places this November. The NBA hits the Clippers with a $30 million fine and five lost first-round picks over a Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal. And Howard University's win over Alabama A&M draws 1.2 ...
- Google News - Top Stories09:30
Pablo Torre on the NBA’s Clippers report and ‘delight’ across a year of reporting The New York Times Windhorst: The Clippers need to take this L -- and move on ESPN How Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard punishment could boost Celtics’ Jaylen Brown return Boston Herald The Clippers Are Screwed. The NBA Can Exhale. The Ringer Why the NBA’s harsh punishment for the Clippers is great news for the Celtics The Boston Globe
- Google News - Top Stories17:58
Reporter who investigated Clippers salary-cap circumvention turns attention towards Dodgers KTLA The FBI investigation of Mark Walter, no matter the outcome, will have a negative impact on the perception of the Dodgers Yahoo Sports Pablo Torre’s Dodgers bombshell reveals real threat to every American SB Nation Mark Walter’s Insurers Ramped Up Borrowing From Home Loan Bank to $6 Billion Bloomberg.com Pablo Torre hints at new bombshell tied to Lakers after NBA punishment of Clippers BasketNews.com
- airalamo.com18:00
Kawhi Leonard cost the Clippers any real path back to contention at the perfect time for the San Antonio Spurs' resurgence.