Jontay Porter Signs With United States Basketball League While Awaiting Sentencing For Gambling Scandal

Jontay Porter has signed a contract with the Seattle SuperHawks of the United States Basketball League (USBL).

Porter was suspended for life by the NBA for a gambling scandal. He is currently awaiting sentencing in federal court. He pleaded guilty to gambling in 13 NBA games he didn’t participate in. 

Porter last played for the Toronto Raptors. He played 26 games and averaged four points per game in 2023-24. 

The USBL is a professional men’s basketball league. The league originally existed from 1985 to 2008 and was revived in 2025. The first season of their revival starts in March. 

There are currently eight teams in the USBL, including the SuperHawks. All the teams are located on the West Coast of the country.  

Historically, the USBL had notable players such as Muggsy Bogues, Manute Bol and Anthony Mason. Porter is the most notable player in the league as of now. 

The USBL was never a serious competitor with the NBA. The last time the NBA faced legitimate competition was with the ABA in the 1970s. The two leagues merged in 1976. 

Porter’s participation in the gambling scandal shocked the basketball world. However, it turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Early in the 2025-26 season, Miami Heat player Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were arrested for separate gambling crimes. Billups has pleaded not guilty, while Rozier’s legal team is trying to get the case thrown out, arguing the government overstepped its authority. 

Meanwhile, Porter has yet to receive a sentencing date. Porter faces up to 20 years in prison, but legal experts predict he will face three to four years. The USBL season runs from March to June. It’s unclear if Porter is allowed to finish the season before being sent to prison.