Joseph Sanberg, the Aspiration co-founder facing federal sentencing April 27, provided substantial cooperation to the NBA's ongoing salary cap circumvention investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers, the league's lead investigator confirmed in a court letter.

David Anders of Wachtell Lipton stated in an April 17 filing that Sanberg sat for two in-person interviews, supplied relevant documents, and delivered information consistent with the league's broader review of evidence.

"Mr. Sanberg's cooperation substantially assisted our investigation, including our ability to develop a more complete understanding of key events," Anders wrote.

The NBA launched its probe in September 2025 following reports that Leonard's $28 million Aspiration sponsorship was structured to circumvent the salary cap. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had invested $50 million in the company in 2021, with the club separately announcing a $300 million, 23-year sponsorship agreement. Ballmer made an additional $10 million investment in March 2023.

Sanberg previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, with prosecutors alleging he defrauded investors of $248 million. Each count carries a maximum 20-year sentence. His attorneys are seeking leniency, describing him as motivated by purpose rather than personal gain.

In a separate court letter, Ballmer's attorney stated the Clippers owner lost his entire $60 million Aspiration investment after the company declared bankruptcy in 2025, and has suffered extensive reputational damage. The Clippers lost nearly all $300 million in sponsorship payments and more than $20 million held in escrow.

Ballmer has additionally been named in a civil lawsuit by 11 former Aspiration investors. He has denied all allegations and sought dismissal of the case.