Banned NBA Player Jontay Porter Signs With Upstart USBL

As he awaits his prison sentence, Jontay Porter will make his return to the hardwood.

On Wednesday, the Seattle Superhawks of the new United States Basketball League announced they have signed Porter to their 2026 roster. Porter was banned from the NBA in April 2024 after an investigation determined he bet on league games and manipulated his performance for gamblers while a member of the Raptors. The Superhawks will begin their season on March 7. 

Porter is currently awaiting sentencing as part of a federal gambling probe after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in July 2024. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years, but his sentencing was delayed after federal authorities expanded the investigation. Heat guard Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player and assistant Damon Jones have since been arrested for different gambling charges, with some of the co-conspirators having ties to both cases. 

Shortly after he was banned from the NBA, Porter began receiving interest from overseas teams. However, his involvement in the federal investigation prevents him from leaving the country, which still remains the case.

As for his new team, Porter has ties to Seattle. He played a season at Nathan Hale High School while his father was an assistant coach at Washington for former coach Lorenzo Romar, who is also Porter’s godfather. His wife, Kelli, a former basketball player at Washington, is also from the city’s metropolitan area. The USBL was one of the few options Porter had to extend his career domestically. 

Sources with knowledge of the situation told Front Office Sports Porter hopes to continue his professional career overseas if he avoids prison or serves a reduced sentence. Playing for the Superhawks allows him to continue his career until he learns if that’s possible. 

Mark Bartelstein, Porter’s agent, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by FOS.