Jontay Porter signs with new USBL league after NBA gambling ban

Former NBA player joins Seattle Super Hawks after lifetime ban for rigging games

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Jontay Porter, the brother of Nets star Michael Porter Jr., has signed with the Seattle Super Hawks of the new United States Basketball League (USBL) after being banned from the NBA for life for gambling-related crimes. Porter pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges in 2024 for disclosing confidential information to sports bettors and limiting his own participation in games to manipulate prop bets, resulting in over $21,000 in winnings. Despite the lifetime NBA ban, the USBL has welcomed Porter to its inaugural 2026 roster, giving the former Raptors and Grizzlies player a chance to continue his professional basketball career.

Why it matters

Porter's case highlights the NBA's ongoing battle against gambling-related corruption and the challenges leagues face in preventing such incidents. The USBL's decision to sign Porter despite his lifetime NBA ban raises questions about how new professional leagues will approach players with histories of sports betting misconduct.

The details

In March 2024, Porter was found to have disclosed confidential information about his health to a sports bettor, leading to an $80,000 winning bet on his 'Under' prop. Porter also placed at least 13 bets totaling over $54,000 on NBA games in 2024, including a parlay featuring his own team, the Raptors, though he did not play in those games. Porter pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges, facing up to 20 years in prison but expected to receive a 3-4 year sentence.

  • In April 2024, the NBA announced Porter's lifetime ban for 'disclosing confidential information to sports bettors' and 'limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes'.
  • In July 2024, Porter pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, resulting in $456,000 in fines and restitution.
  • In February 2026, the Seattle Super Hawks of the new USBL announced they have signed Porter to their inaugural 2026 roster.

The players

Jontay Porter

A former NBA player who was banned from the league for life in 2024 for gambling-related crimes, including disclosing confidential information to sports bettors and limiting his own participation in games to manipulate prop bets.

Michael Porter Jr.

Jontay Porter's brother, who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA.

Seattle Super Hawks

A new professional basketball team that is part of the soon-to-debut United States Basketball League (USBL).

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What they’re saying

“I know what I did was wrong and unlawful, and I'm deeply sorry for my conduct.”

— Jontay Porter (Brooklyn federal Judge James R. Cho)

What’s next

The judge in Porter's federal case will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow him to serve his expected 3-4 year sentence in a foreign country, such as Greece, as Porter had previously requested.

The takeaway

Jontay Porter's case highlights the NBA's ongoing battle against gambling-related corruption and the challenges leagues face in preventing such incidents. The USBL's decision to sign Porter despite his lifetime NBA ban raises questions about how new professional leagues will approach players with histories of sports betting misconduct.