Update on Ballmer’s Legal Battle
Steve Ballmer, owner of the LA Clippers, is seeking to dismiss a fraud lawsuit alleging that he participated in a scheme to funnel money to star player Kawhi Leonard through a defunct green banking company.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit originated from 11 investors in Aspiration, which filed for bankruptcy in March 2025. Initially, these investors accused Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg and others of defrauding them out of millions. Ballmer was not included in the original complaint filed on July 9, 2025.
However, following investigative reports by journalist Pablo Torre, which suggested that Ballmer’s investment in Aspiration aimed to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, the lawsuit was amended on November 3, 2025, to include him as a defendant. The amended complaint claims that the plaintiffs would not have invested in Aspiration had they known the true nature of Ballmer’s financial involvement.
Current Developments
In a recent court filing, Ballmer’s attorneys labeled the allegations against him as “sensational” and “patently false,” asserting that there is no evidence that supports claims of collusion with Sanberg to bypass salary cap regulations. Ballmer and the Clippers have maintained their full cooperation with the ongoing NBA investigation into these allegations.
Skip Miller, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed confidence in their case, stating that the facts are laid out in the lawsuit itself. He emphasized their intent to resolve the matter in court rather than through media discussion.
Insight from Involved Parties
An anonymous former Aspiration employee has alleged that the financial arrangement with Leonard was designed to circumvent NBA regulations. Meanwhile, Ballmer’s legal team has articulated that the addition of his name to the lawsuit appears to be an effort by the plaintiffs to recover losses linked to Sanberg’s actions, noting that no substantive facts have been provided to substantiate the claims.
Furthermore, Torre has defended his investigations, stating that they are backed by numerous documents and testimonies from former employees. He stressed that the discussion surrounding the allegations points to deeper issues within the financial dealings linked to Ballmer and Leonard.
Next Steps
Ballmer’s legal representation is pushing for the court to dismiss the case on the grounds of insufficient claims made by the investors. A hearing for this matter is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, where further developments in this case will be addressed.
Original source: Open the source
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