Clippers, Leonard Had Sponsorship Deal With Daktronics: Report
Daktronics installed the Intuit Dome’s halo board.
A new complication has arisen in the NBA's investigation into the Clippers' alleged cap circumvention for star player Kawhi Leonard. According to recent reports, Leonard also had an undisclosed endorsement deal with Daktronics, a publicly traded firm specializing in arena scoreboards and LED signage. The installation of the halo board for the Clippers' $2 billion Intuit Dome cost $100 million.
This revelation comes after earlier reports of a deal with the defunct environmental startup Aspiration, which was also reportedly intended to circumvent the salary cap. The $100 million Daktronics deal, as reported by Pablo Torre on his podcast, was intended for a similar purpose. While multiple sources confirmed Leonard's role as a Daktronics spokesperson, the exact terms of the contract remain undisclosed.
The NBA's probe into these deals has been ongoing for 11 months, with Commissioner Adam Silver aiming to conclude the investigation this summer. Should Leonard be found guilty, Silver retains the authority to impose significant penalties, including a fine of $7.5 million, the loss of draft picks, and the voiding of Leonard's contract, which is set to expire at the end of the season.
The Clippers' trade of Leonard to the Raptors on June 30 remains on hold pending the resolution of the investigation.
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