Jontay Porter Signs with USBL After NBA Betting Ban

Former NBA player Jontay Porter, banned for life from the league after a gambling scandal, is planning a return to professional basketball with the Seattle Superhawks of the newly re-created United States Basketball League (USBL). The signing, announced Wednesday, will give Porter his first opportunity to play competitively since the NBA levied its lifetime ban in 2024.

Porter’s downfall stemmed from incidents during the 2023-24 season while playing for the Toronto Raptors. Federal prosecutors alleged that Porter intentionally limited his playing time in two games to allow bettors to profit from prop bets placed on his performance. He subsequently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in July 2024, a felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years, though he is expected to receive a sentence between three and four years when This proves handed down.

The NBA investigation also revealed that Porter personally placed wagers on 13 NBA games he did not participate in, totaling $22,000 in winnings – a direct violation of league rules. The scandal quickly expanded beyond Porter, triggering a broader federal investigation that has implicated other NBA players, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, with dozens facing charges related to illegal gambling.

“I am just trying to do what I can to provide for my family,” Porter told The Athletic, offering a glimpse into his motivation for continuing his basketball career despite the ongoing legal proceedings and the NBA’s ban.

The USBL, which originally operated from 1985 to 2008, relaunched last fall, aiming to provide a platform for players seeking professional opportunities outside of the NBA. The league’s stated commitment to “fair competition” – emphasizing skill, preparation, and effort – raises questions about the implications of signing a player with Porter’s history. The Superhawks are scheduled to begin their season on March 7.

Porter’s attempt to resume his career internationally was previously blocked. In 2024, he petitioned a federal judge for permission to play for Promitheas B.C., a professional team in Greece, but the request was denied. While the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and pre-trial services did not object to his playing overseas, the judge ultimately ruled against it.

The federal investigation into illegal sports betting continues to unfold, with prosecutors alleging a widespread scheme involving inside information and coordinated betting activity. The case involving Rozier, indicted in October 2026, mirrors the allegations against Porter, with prosecutors claiming Rozier intentionally limited his playing time during a Charlotte Hornets game in March 2023 to facilitate bets placed by associates. Rozier has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence through his legal counsel.

Further complicating the landscape, the investigation has also uncovered connections to a separate, large-scale college basketball gambling scandal, involving nearly two dozen players and more than a dozen schools. This broader context underscores the severity of the issue and the far-reaching consequences of illegal betting activity within the sports world.

Porter played in 37 games over two NBA seasons, initially drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies before stints with the Raptors. His talent was never in question, but the gambling scandal irrevocably altered his career trajectory. The USBL offers a potential, albeit unconventional, path forward, but the circumstances surrounding his signing are sure to draw scrutiny from fans, league officials, and the wider basketball community.

The USBL’s willingness to sign Porter also highlights the league’s positioning as an alternative for players who may not fit within the more stringent regulations of the NBA. Whether this decision will ultimately benefit the league’s credibility or further tarnish Porter’s reputation remains to be seen. The Superhawks’ season opener on March 7 will undoubtedly be a closely watched event, marking a significant, and controversial, chapter in Jontay Porter’s career.