Pablo Torre’s Salary Cap Bombshell Sparks NBA Investigation and High-Profile Backlash

NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2025 - Meadowlark Media journalist Pablo Torre released a blockbuster episode of his podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out today, alleging that the Los Angeles Clippers and superstar Kawhi Leonard used a “no-show” endorsement deal with environmental startup Aspiration to skirt NBA salary cap rules. Torre’s investigation, based on over 3,000 pages of corporate documents and recorded emails, claims Kawhi Leonard was paid $28 million by Aspiration-funded in part by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer-despite performing no promotional work for the company.

The NBA confirmed it has “launched an investigation in the wake of Torre’s report,” marking an unusually swift league response to allegations of cap circumvention. The probe was disclosed to multiple outlets by league officials who declined to comment further.

On social media, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban publicly criticized Torre’s reporting. In a lengthy thread on X, Cuban accused Torre of bias and insufficient fact-checking, declaring himself “Team Ballmer” and suggesting that Torre defaulted to portraying owner Steve Ballmer as the villain. Cuban wrote, “It’s sad that @PabloTorre didn’t take the time to find out how these scammers pulled off their scam,” and defended Ballmer’s integrity.

Torre quickly fired back via Twitter, inviting Cuban onto the podcast for an on-air discussion: “Dear @mcuban: Care to come on @pablofindsout to discuss my reporting? I have some questions I’d love to ask you!”

The Clippers issued a statement earlier today denying any misconduct: “Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration. Any contrary assertion is provably false,” the team said in response to Torre’s allegations.

Torre’s exclusive investigation not only underscores potential loopholes in NBA cap enforcement but also highlights the growing influence of investigative sports journalism. As the league’s inquiry unfolds, all eyes will be on the NBA’s disciplinary process and whether additional evidence emerges to substantiate Torre’s claims.