GeekWire OpenAI's big Seattle deal; Steve Ballmer under NBA scrutiny; the irony in Google's antitrust case
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Sep 6, 2025 Joining the discussion is Mike Lewis, a Seattle journalist, radio host, and bar owner, known for his insight into sports and business. They dive into Steve Ballmer's controversial sponsorship deal with the Clippers, raising eyebrows in the NBA. OpenAI's jaw-dropping $1.1 billion acquisition of Statsig illuminates the fierce competition for AI talent. The conversation also delves into the implications of the recent Google antitrust ruling and its potential impact on Microsoft, blending tech and sports in an electrifying way.
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Ballmer-Clippers Salary-Cap Allegation
- Pablo Torre reported that Steve Ballmer and the Clippers may have used a sponsorship deal to enrich Kawhi Leonard and skirt the NBA salary cap.
- The reporting showed strong correlation but lacked a provable smoking-gun linking the team to the deal.
Denials Raised More Questions
- Steve Ballmer publicly denied the allegations and initially called parts of the report "provably false," then softened his language later.
- The timing and conflicting denials left room for inference even without direct evidence of wrongdoing.
Ballmer Says He Was Conned
- In an ESPN interview Ballmer said the Clippers "abided by the salary caps" and blamed being conned by fraudulent investors.
- He admitted embarrassment over the investment and said he was duped by fraudulent financials.