What happened: Ballmer’s ban runs one year, and the franchise will forfeit five first-round picks. The penalties followed a nearly yearlong investigation into salary-cap circumvention.

Why it matters: The draft penalty removes a first-round asset in five consecutive years, limiting options for replenishing the roster. Ballmer is barred from team and league activities during the upcoming 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Watch how the club reassigns oversight during Ballmer’s absence and plans around the five-year draft gap.