Wireless equipment from Grizzlies owner's company allegedly fuels Russian drone attacks in Ukraine, bypassing export controls and raising serious oversight questions.
Telecommunications gear produced by a company founded by Memphis Grizzlies owner Robert Pera has been documented on the front lines of Russia’s war in Ukraine, raising questions about export controls, corporate oversight, and the reach of U.S.-made technology into an active conflict.
An investigation published this week by Hunterbrook Media reported that wireless equipment manufactured by Ubiquiti is being used by Russian forces to operate drones during the war. The report includes video footage that appears to show Ubiquiti-branded devices deployed in combat zones, where drones have been used in attacks that have struck civilian areas in Ukraine.
Ubiquiti, founded in 2003, designs and sells long-range wireless networking products that are widely used for internet connectivity and data transmission. Pera, who founded the company, later became the owner of the Grizzlies in 2012.
The Hunterbrook investigation details how its reporters contacted Russian vendors and international distributors while posing as military procurement officials.
According to the report, multiple sellers indicated a willingness to provide Ubiquiti-produced equipment, despite U.S. trade restrictions that limit exports to Russia.
Hunterbrook reporter Sam Koppelman expanded on the findings during an appearance on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast, where he described the alleged role of the equipment in Russia’s drone operations.
“Without Ubiquiti, these drones in Russia, the ones leading to massacres, would not work,” Koppelman said. “They would be flying blind.”
Koppelman emphasized that U.S. export regulations are designed to prevent precisely this type of outcome, especially when it comes to technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
“There are very tight export controls on what you’re allowed to send to Russia,” he said. “And they of course include the type of dual-use devices like Ubiquiti’s that the military might need to do horrible (expletive).”
The report underscores the challenges of enforcing those restrictions across complex global supply chains. Hunterbrook alleges that intermediaries and third-party sellers may be exploiting loopholes to move equipment into restricted markets, even when the original manufacturer is based in the United States.
Pera, 47, purchased the Grizzlies for $377 million from Michael Heisley, becoming the youngest owner in league history at the time. His stewardship of the franchise has coincided with the team’s rise into a consistent playoff contender and a central civic institution in Memphis.
The timing of the report comes as the Grizzlies continue lease negotiations with the city of Memphis over FedExForum. The team’s current lease runs through the 2028–29 season, and discussions have centered on a major arena renovation. While negotiations are ongoing, expectations have been that a deal will eventually be reached.
Hunterbrook also disclosed a financial stake in the story. The company said it has shorted Ubiquiti stock, meaning it stands to profit if the share price declines following the report. Founded in 2023, Hunterbrook combines investigative journalism with legal and financial strategies through its broader corporate structure, which includes investment firm Hunterbrook Capital.
As scrutiny grows over how Western technology finds its way into modern conflicts, the report adds a new layer of complexity for one of the NBA’s most prominent owners — and raises broader questions about accountability in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.