Clippers name LA attorney John Gibson interim CEO amid Ballmer ban

The Los Angeles Clippers named attorney John S. Gibson interim CEO and governor on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, taking roles held by owner Steve Ballmer during his one-year NBA suspension. The league fined the Clippers $30 million and required forfeiture of five first-round draft picks; business operations president Gillian Zucker and basketball operations president Lawrence Frank also received unpaid suspensions. Gibson, a season-ticket holder who graduated from Harvard and Michigan Law School and co-chaired DLA Piper's business and commercial litigation practice in Los Angeles, said he is honored to serve an organization he has supported for many years and will focus on supporting people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization move forward. Ballmer said the team has paid the fine, is complying with the penalties, and wants to put the chapter behind the franchise, adding that while disagreements remain concerning the findings in the report, team owners should support, not distract. The NBA investigation concerned compensation in Kawhi Leonard's three-year $149.5 million contract. Last week the Clippers completed Leonard's trade to the Toronto Raptors, receiving Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks.