This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his NBA team, the Clippers, face scrutiny over an alleged salary-cap dodge tied to star Kawhi Leonard. We unpack the report and Ballmer’s emphatic denial, while reflecting on his history in tech and sports. 

Also: OpenAI's surprise $1.1 billion acquisition of Seattle startup Statsig, and what it says about the AI talent wars. Plus, the ironic role of Microsoft’s own antitrust past in the landmark ruling against Google’s search monopoly this week.

Seattle journalist, radio host and bar owner Mike Lewis joins GeekWire's Todd Bishop for this episode, which also features a highlight from a segment with KUOW's Kim Malcolm. 

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OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1B, names CEO to key role in surprise exit for Seattle-area unicorn
‘Absurd’: Steve Ballmer responds to report that Clippers funneled money to star player via endorsement deal
Pablo Torre details his investigation on "Pablo Torre Finds Out."
ESPN's Ramona Shelburne interviews Steve Ballmer.
Google antitrust ruling gives Microsoft a shaky bridge over search giant’s competitive moat
KUOW: Is the Google antitrust ruling a ‘big whiff,’ or an advantage for rivals like Microsoft?

 

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his NBA team, the Clippers, face scrutiny over an alleged salary-cap dodge tied to star Kawhi Leonard. We unpack the report and Ballmer&rsquo;s emphatic denial, while reflecting on his history in tech and sports.&nbsp;
Also: OpenAI's surprise $1.1 billion acquisition of Seattle startup Statsig, and what it says about the AI talent wars. Plus, the ironic role of Microsoft&rsquo;s own antitrust past in the landmark ruling against Google&rsquo;s search monopoly this week.
Seattle journalist, radio host and bar owner Mike Lewis joins GeekWire's Todd Bishop for this episode, which also features a highlight from a segment with KUOW's Kim Malcolm.&nbsp;
Related Stories
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/openai-acquires-statsig-for-1-1b-names-ceo-to-key-exec-role-in-surprise-exit-for-seattle-area-unicorn/">OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1B, names CEO to key role in surprise exit for Seattle-area unicorn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/absurd-steve-ballmer-responds-to-allegations-that-clippers-funneled-money-to-star-player-via-endorsement-deal/">&lsquo;Absurd&rsquo;: Steve Ballmer responds to report that Clippers funneled money to star player via endorsement deal</a></li>
<li>Pablo Torre details his investigation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OwzYk6OCFM">on "Pablo Torre Finds Out."</a></li>
<li>ESPN's Ramona Shelburne <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQsmM1EhTNw">interviews Steve Ballmer.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/google-antitrust-ruling-gives-microsoft-a-shaky-bridge-over-search-giants-competitive-moat/">Google antitrust ruling gives Microsoft a shaky bridge over search giant&rsquo;s competitive moat</a></li>
<li>KUOW: <a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/is-the-google-antitrust-ruling-a-big-whiff-or-an-advantage-for-rivals-like-microsoft">Is the Google antitrust ruling a &lsquo;big whiff,&rsquo; or an advantage for rivals like Microsoft?</a></li>
</ul>
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GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.

GeekWire reporters John Cook, Todd Bishop and guests talk about the latest tech news and trends.

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