Before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, the league found itself in the midst of several controversies. One of the most notable incidents involved Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who were arrested for alleged involvement in gambling schemes. However, in September 2025, a different scandal emerged when it was revealed that the Los Angeles Clippers may have circumvented the salary cap through a deal involving Kawhi Leonard.
The story was uncovered by Pablo Torre, a journalist and podcaster known for his work at ESPN. Torre’s podcast, “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” exposed details about a potential cap circumvention involving the company Aspiration. The team behind the podcast has now been honored with one of the most prestigious awards in journalism—the 2026 Pulitzer Prize.
Here’s what you need to know about how the podcast won the Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on the Clippers.
Why did ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out’ win a Pulitzer Prize?
In September 2025, the podcast’s investigative report sparked an NBA investigation into the Clippers for potential salary cap violations. Torre reported that Kawhi Leonard allegedly received a lucrative, no-work contract from Aspiration, a now-bankrupt environmental company. This deal allowed Leonard to receive additional income without violating the Clippers’ salary cap.
According to Torre’s findings, Leonard signed a four-year, $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, which was essentially a “no-show job” designed to bypass the NBA salary cap rules. Anonymous former employees of Aspiration provided information to Torre, revealing the nature of the agreement.
Following the allegations, the NBA launched an investigation into the Clippers. The team denied any wrongdoing. As of May 2026, the investigation is still ongoing. ESPN reported in April that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver described the probe as “enormously complex” and noted that interviews with Clippers officials and former Aspiration employees are continuing.
On Monday, it was officially announced that “Pablo Torre Finds Out” had won the Pulitzer Prize in the “Audio Reporting” category for its coverage of the Clippers story.
Who is Pablo Torre?
Pablo Torre is a well-known journalist, podcaster, and TV host. He currently hosts “Pablo Torre Finds Out,” a podcast produced by Meadowlark Media. Born in New York City, Torre graduated from Harvard University and previously worked as an investigative staff writer for Sports Illustrated and as a senior writer for ESPN. He was a member of shows like “Around the Horn” and “High Noon” and contributed to the ESPN Daily podcasts.
Although he occasionally appears on ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,” Torre joined Meadowlark Media in 2023 to launch “Pablo Torre Finds Out.” This new platform combines investigative reporting with conversational storytelling, offering listeners in-depth coverage of sports and culture.
Last Sports Story to Win a Pulitzer Prize
According to the Pulitzer website, the most recent sports-related story to win the award was in 2023. Mississippi Today won in the “Local Reporting” category for its coverage of former NFL quarterback Brett Favre’s involvement in a scheme led by a former state governor to divert millions in state welfare funds for personal benefit.
Prior to that, in 2014, the Boston Globe staff received a Pulitzer Prize in the “Breaking News Reporting” category for its coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings.
What’s Next for the Clippers This Offseason?
As the NBA continues its investigation into the Clippers’ dealings with Aspiration, the team will likely face significant scrutiny. The outcome of the probe could have major implications for the franchise, particularly regarding its financial practices and compliance with league rules. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.
