The Seattle SuperHawks of the newly rebooted United States Basketball League (USBL) have made a controversial move by signing former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who was banned for life from the NBA in 2024 due to a sports gambling scandal. The announcement, made on Wednesday via Instagram, frames the signing as a "new chapter" in Porter's professional journey, notably omitting any reference to the significant controversy surrounding the player.
A Troubled Past and Legal Challenges
Porter's career took a dramatic turn when the NBA imposed a lifetime ban following an investigation that revealed he manipulated his performance in games to influence prop bets and personally wagered on NBA contests. Specifically, the 6-foot-11 forward was found to have bet on 13 NBA games in 2024 that he did not participate in, resulting in winnings of $22,000 US, a clear violation of league regulations.
Beyond the NBA's sanctions, Porter faces serious legal repercussions. In July 2024, he pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He is currently awaiting sentencing, with expectations that he will receive between three and four years behind bars. Previously, Porter had sought permission to play professionally in Greece but was denied by a judge.
The SuperHawks' Announcement and Porter's Role
In their official statement, the SuperHawks highlighted Porter's NBA experience and physical attributes, describing him as a 6'10" power forward who brings "significant talent" to the team. "The SuperHawks family and the USBL are excited to welcome Jontay to the 2026 roster," the team wrote, emphasizing this as a fresh start in his basketball career.
During his brief tenure with the Toronto Raptors in the 2023-24 season, Porter played 26 games, including five starts, averaging 13.8 minutes per game. His statistical contributions were modest, with averages of 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per appearance, positioning him as a role player rather than a star.
Understanding the USBL's Reboot
The USBL, originally founded in 1985, operated for over three decades before ceasing operations in 2008. The league was revived in November 2025 with eight teams based on the West Coast of North America. Its regular season is scheduled to commence on Friday, March 6, and conclude at the end of May, offering a platform for players like Porter to continue their careers outside the NBA.
This signing raises questions about second chances in professional sports and the implications of integrating players with serious legal and ethical violations into new leagues. As Porter navigates his upcoming sentencing and attempts to rebuild his career, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.
