The $2 billion sale of the L.A. Clippers may have been the business play of the century, given that the value of the club rose by $1 billion in less than one month. If this was a ploy, planned and executed by the owner, it was a doozy. Does Judaism say it Is okay for someone to act to denigrate their own name for financial benefit?

The $2 billion sale of the L.A. Clippers may have been the business play of the century, given that the value of the club rose by $1 billion in less than one month. If this was a ploy, planned and executed by the owner, it was a doozy.

Does Judaism say it Is okay for someone to act to denigrate their own name for financial benefit?»

The short answer is No.

This question itself seems to gloss over a few steps in the process.

EG  'denigrating one's own name" could refer to some kind of self-effacing humility.  If somehow George Stenbrenner were still alive and he claimed to be "unworthy" of running a baseball team out of a uncharacteristic fit of meekness, maybe there would be no attempt to manipulate the market place.

However,  in the case of the Clippers, any such subterfuge would be manipulative in a dishonest way and would be completely unethical.

In general, Jewish Law proscribes "price gouging". Any sale for more than 1/6th over the going price, is voidable.  At 1/6th, the overage is refundable.

Now, in the case of open bidding, that might not be a problem. And
On the case of willful deception, it may be both ethically unacceptable and voidable.

Sources:
The following source probably covers all the bases re: Ethical Behavior.

Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)

Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers,