Published on: February 26, 2026, 03:12h.
Updated on: February 26, 2026, 03:17h.
- USBL season set to kick off next week
- Porter’s sentencing awaits after admitting guilt to wire fraud conspiracy
- Porter received a lifetime NBA ban due to gambling scandal
Jontay Porter, previously with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, has admitted his role in an illicit gambling operation and is preparing to revive his professional basketball journey with the United States Basketball League’s Seattle SuperHawks.
Opportunity in the League
The new season of the USBL is starting this spring, featuring eight teams. Originally established in 1985, this “league of opportunity” hosted games from April to July, avoiding overlap with the NBA season. This regional pro league served as a pathway for many players aspiring to join the NBA.
Having ceased operations in 2007, the USBL makes a comeback in 2026, with an emphasis on player advancement and engaging underserved markets. Historically, the league has seen 150 players transition to the NBA.
However, Porter does not plan to leverage the USBL as a footstep back into the NBA.
Lifetime NBA Ban
In April 2024, he faced a lifetime ban from the NBA for breaching the league’s gambling protocols.
Awaiting sentencing, Porter pleaded guilty in July 2024 to conspiracy charges related to wire fraud, having intentionally underperformed in two games with the Raptors in early 2024, colluding with gamblers to influence prop bets. He faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Additionally, the NBA concluded that Porter placed bets on games in which he was not participating, violating league regulations.
The Seattle SuperHawks begin their home games on March 7 against the Lilac City Legends, with Porter anticipated to be part of the lineup. In his tenure with the Raptors, Porter, now 26, had averages of 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 26 games during the 2023-24 season before the gambling situation gained media attention.
Pending Sentencing for Porter
Porter’s arrest initiated a broader federal probe that resulted in charges against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups.
Rozier is facing trial over accusations of orchestrating his on-court performance while with the Charlotte Hornets in 2023 to assist gamblers in reaping significant rewards from prop bets. He has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges. Conversely, Billups was arrested for alleged participation in an illegal poker operation tied to organized crime families. He has also entered a not guilty plea to money laundering and wire fraud conspiracy allegations.