The NBA's 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is under scrutiny following allegations that the LA Clippers circumvented the salary cap by having a sponsor pay Kawhi Leonard for a no-show job. While the league has a circumstantial case, proving a more severe violation requiring harsher penalties hinges on a third-party arbitrator's decision. The CBA's Article XIII, addressing cap circumvention, may need revision, potentially including a 'lack of institutional control' clause to address situations where teams fail to monitor sponsor-player deals, mirroring the NCAA's approach. The current penalty for an owner like Steve Ballmer, a maximum fine, is considered insufficient.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.