Convicted NBA Player Jontay Porter Signs With Semi-Pro USBL Team

The Seattle SuperHawks sign Porter, who was banned from the NBA for game-fixing, raising integrity concerns.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Jontay Porter, a former NBA player who pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges in 2024 for conspiring with gamblers to tank prop bets, has signed with the Seattle SuperHawks of the semi-professional United States Basketball League (USBL). The USBL says it believes in second chances, but experts warn the signing raises major integrity concerns given Porter's criminal history of manipulating games for betting purposes.

Why it matters

The signing of Jontay Porter, a convicted game-fixer, by the USBL's Seattle SuperHawks raises questions about the league's commitment to integrity and the potential risks of associating with someone who has admitted to criminal behavior that undermines the credibility of sports competitions.

The details

In 2024, Porter pleaded guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after working with gamblers to tank prop bets by removing himself from games with fake injuries so his individual player prop unders would hit. He was banned for life from the NBA. The USBL says Porter has "demonstrated genuine remorse and a strong commitment to personal growth," but experts warn that a league reliant on small local fanbases cannot afford any integrity issues, as fans are increasingly skeptical about the purity of sports.

  • In 2024, Porter pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges.
  • Porter was banned for life from the NBA following his conviction.
  • The USBL's new season is set to tip off on March 7, 2026.

The players

Jontay Porter

A former NBA player who pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges in 2024 for conspiring with gamblers to tank prop bets.

Seattle SuperHawks

A franchise in the semi-professional United States Basketball League (USBL).

United States Basketball League (USBL)

A semi-professional basketball league with eight teams based in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Pierre Crockrell

The owner of the Seattle SuperHawks and a former player agent.

Rick Burton

A professor emeritus at the Syracuse University Falk College of Sport and the former commissioner of the National Basketball League in Australia.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's super risky. There have been a lot of bad behaviors over the years in professional sports, but kind of the most serious crime, the one that risks team operators, is gambling. If the public doesn't believe in the integrity of the games, it's bad business all the way around.”

— Rick Burton, Professor emeritus, Syracuse University Falk College of Sport (InGame)

“I saw the statement, that they're a place where people can redeem themselves and show learning and growth, which could be all well and good, but this particular crime that he's convicted of, throwing sports matches, it's just not good for your specific business.”

— Dr. Brandon Mastromartino, Director, Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming at San Diego State University (InGame)

What’s next

The judge in Porter's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail before his sentencing, which could result in up to four years in prison.

The takeaway

The USBL's decision to sign Jontay Porter, a convicted game-fixer, raises serious concerns about the league's commitment to integrity and the potential risks of associating with someone who has admitted to criminal behavior that undermines the credibility of sports competitions. This signing could backfire and further erode public trust in the purity of sports.