NBA Maintains LA All-Star Game Despite Clippers Salary Cap Probe

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will remain at the LA Clippers' new Intuit Dome despite an ongoing league investigation into potential salary cap violations involving Clippers star Kawhi Leonard. The investigation focuses on a $28 million endorsement deal between Leonard and Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, a company linked financially to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who invested $50 million in Aspiration, raising concerns about possible salary cap circumvention. If found guilty, the Clippers could face heavy penalties including fines up to $7.5 million, voided contracts, and forfeiture of future draft picks, which could significantly impact the franchise's future. Silver emphasized that the All-Star Game planning operates independently from the investigation, quelling speculation about relocating the event. The All-Star Game will feature a new format with U.S. players competing against an international team and will be broadcast on NBC, marking the network’s return to NBA coverage. Additionally, the Intuit Dome, which opened in the 2024-25 season, is also set to host basketball events during the 2028 Olympics, underscoring its importance as a premier basketball venue.