Porter, suspended from the NBA, joins USBL’s Superhawks.
Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban from the NBA for gambling in 2024 and is currently awaiting sentencing after admitting guilt to a related federal charge, intends to compete in a new professional basketball league.
The Seattle Superhawks, part of the recently re-established United States Basketball League, announced Porter’s signing on Wednesday. The team is set to commence its season on March 7.
In July 2024, Porter pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony that could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; however, he is anticipated to receive a sentence of 3-4 years. He was accused of altering his performance and collaborating with gamblers to secure prop bets in two games against the Toronto Raptors during the 2023-24 season.
An NBA investigation also revealed that he personally wagered on 13 NBA games in 2024 in which he did not participate, violating league regulations, and earned $22,000.
Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York have broadened the investigation that began with Porter, leading to the indictment of numerous others in gambling-related cases, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
In 2024, Porter sought permission from a federal judge to join a team in Greece, but the request was denied.
Porter has appeared in 37 games across two NBA seasons.
