NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Monday that “there is no consideration” to move the All-Star Game from the Los Angeles Clippers’ home, while the league investigates whether the team circumvented salary cap rules in relation to Kawhi Leonard.The NBA’s investigation opened last month, following a report by journalist Pablo Torre. The report focused on a $28 million sponsorship deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a California-based sustainability services company that declared bankruptcy this year.The Clippers owner, Steve Ballmer, made a $50 million investment in Aspiration, and the company and the team announced a $300 million partnership in September 2021.If a team is found to have violated the salary cap rules, the NBA can impose harsh penalties, such as a fine of up to $7.5 million, contract voiding, and the loss of future draft picks.However, the league’s mid-season festivities at the Intuit Dome will not be affected.
Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. The All-Star Game – with a new format that will pit a U.S. team against an international team – will be televised by NBC on February 15.The NBA announced in January 2024 that it would bring the 2026 All-Star Weekend to the Intuit Dome, even before it opened. The stadium, which opened for the 2024-25 season, will also host basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games.There are no plans to move the All-Star Game, and the planning of the All-Star Game and related activities operate completely independently of the ongoing investigation.
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
