STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated this Monday that “it is not being considered” the possibility of moving the All-Star Game from the LA Clippers’ arena, while the league investigates whether the team evaded salary cap rules in relation to Kawhi Leonard. The NBA launched an investigation last month following a report by journalist Pablo Torre, focusing on a $28 million sponsorship deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a California-based sustainability services company that declared bankruptcy this year. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in Aspiration, and the company and team announced a $300 million partnership in September 2021. The NBA could impose severe sanctions if a team is found to have violated salary cap rules, including a fine of up to $7.5 million, contract annulment, 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 the 2026 All-Star Weekend would be held at the Intuit Dome, even before its inauguration. The arena, which opened its doors for the 2024-25 season, will also host basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games.Moving the All-Star Game is not being considered, and the planning of the All-Star Game and related activities operate completely independently of the ongoing investigation.
Adam Silver
