UPDATE: The former CEO of Aspiration, Andrei Cherny, has categorically denied claims that NBA star Kawhi Leonard signed a no-show contract with the company. In a statement released on X just moments ago, Cherny emphasized that the contract mandated significant obligations from Leonard, contradicting earlier allegations made on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast.
Cherny stated, “The contract contained three pages of extensive obligations that Leonard had to perform. If Leonard did not meet those obligations, Aspiration could terminate the contract.” This urgent clarification comes amid serious accusations regarding the financial dealings between Aspiration and the Clippers’ owner, Steve Ballmer, who is under investigation by the NBA for potential salary cap violations.
According to the podcast, Aspiration entered into a $28 million endorsement deal with Leonard in 2022, following a substantial $50 million investment from Ballmer through his personal LLC in September 2021. The Clippers also announced a significant $300 million partnership with Aspiration just two weeks later.
Adding to the controversy, an unnamed former employee claimed that the payment to Leonard was intended to “circumvent the salary cap.” In a related revelation, Dennis J. Wong, a limited partner of the Clippers, reportedly invested $1.99 million in Aspiration shortly before the company issued a $1.75 million payment to Leonard.
The latest reports reveal that Ballmer contributed an additional $10 million to Aspiration in 2023 amid ongoing fundraising efforts, raising further questions about the legality of these transactions. The Clippers have consistently denied any wrongdoing, with Ballmer asserting he had no knowledge of the endorsement contract.
Cherny, who left Aspiration in 2022, reflected on his tenure, stating, “I signed the contract shortly before I submitted my resignation.” He added that during discussions leading up to the sponsorship, no conversations about the NBA salary cap were recalled. However, he expressed uncertainty about decisions made after his departure.
As the situation continues to develop, the NBA’s investigation remains a focal point, with officials seeking clarity on whether Ballmer or the Clippers breached league regulations. Aspiration, which filed for bankruptcy in 2025, is also facing scrutiny, particularly following the recent guilty plea of co-founder Joe Sanberg for defrauding investors and lenders of over $248 million.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. The implications for both Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers could be significant, and fans are eagerly watching for any developments.