NBA-Banned and Awaiting Sentencing: Jontay Porter Signs USBL Contract with Seattle SuperHawks
Jontay Porter, who is banned from the NBA for manipulating prop bets and awaiting federal sentencing, has signed a pro contract with the relaunched USBL.
Former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter — banned from the NBA for gambling violations and currently awaiting federal sentencing — has signed a professional contract with the Seattle SuperHawks in the United States Basketball League (USBL).
The SuperHawks, a member of the newly relaunched USBL, announced Porter’s signing on Feb. 25. If he plays, it will be his first professional appearance since the NBA banned him for life in 2024 for betting on NBA games and manipulating his in-game participation to influence prop bets.
From NBA Ban to Federal Charges
In 2024, an NBA investigation concluded that Porter violated the league’s gambling rules. He allegedly placed at least 13 bets through an associate on NBA games and shared insider information with bettors.
According to federal prosecutors, Porter left early from two Raptors games during the 2023–24 season so that a sports betting ring could cash prop bets tied to his performance statistics.
In July 2024, Porter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge constitutes a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, though he’s expected to get 3-4 years. He currently awaits sentencing.
After pleading guilty, Porter attempted to sign with Promitheas Patras B.C. in Greece, but a federal judge denied his request, despite no objections from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, which brought the case.
The USBL opportunity now provides a domestic alternative as Porter remains under federal supervision pending sentencing.
What Is the USBL?
The USBL relaunched in the fall of 2025 after previously operating from 1985 to 2008. Historically, the league functioned as a minor professional circuit and developmental platform.
The new format consists of eight teams from California, Oregon, and Washington. It operates as an independent professional league operating outside the NBA and the G League. Porter’s signing does not conflict with his NBA ban, which applies specifically to NBA competition and league affiliation.
The SuperHawks’ first game is on March 7 against the Lilac City Legends.
A Wider Web of Basketball Betting Scandals
Federal prosecutors have expanded the investigation that began with Porter into a broader insider-betting probe involving over 30 others. They include Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones.
Prosecutors allege that Rozier participated in a scheme involving some of the same individuals connected to Porter’s case. Rozier has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing.
In January, the first person connected with the scheme received a sentence. Timothy McCormack, one of the bettors who placed wagers on Porter’s performance, received a two-year sentence.
A week later, federal investigators told the court they are reviewing additional games that may have been manipulated as part of the insider information scheme.
Federal investigations have also expanded into college basketball. In January, federal prosecutors unsealed a point-shaving indictment involving 15 college basketball players in 30 Division I games.
In 2025, the NCAA permanently banned multiple former college basketball players for breaches of gambling policies. The organization has repeatedly called for a nationwide ban on individual college sports prop bets, which it believes are easier to manipulate.
Porter’s attempted return comes as professional and collegiate basketball face heightened integrity scrutiny amid the continued expansion of legalized sports betting and the growth of player prop markets — the same wager type at the center of his case.
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