Key Takeaways
- Jontay Porter joins USBL for the 2026 season after receiving a lifetime suspension from the NBA due to gambling violations.
- Porter, a forward and center, signed with the Seattle Super Hawks, marking his return to professional basketball.
- He violated NBA gambling rules by sharing confidential information and betting on games, leading to his ban.
- Prior to the USBL, Porter played for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, averaging single-digit stats in the NBA.
- Porter awaits sentencing for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, linked to the gambling case, with potential years in prison ahead.
Jontay Porter joins USBL for the 2026 season following his lifetime suspension from the NBA. The former Toronto Raptors player signed with the Seattle Super Hawks. The team competes in the United States Basketball League, which recently relaunched.
Porter is 26 years old. He plays as a forward and center. The Super Hawks announced his addition to their roster for the upcoming season.
Why Jontay Porter Joins USBL Following Suspension
Jontay Porter joins USBL after the NBA banned him in April 2024. The league concluded he violated gambling rules. An NBA investigation determined that Porter shared confidential information with sports bettors. The league also found that he placed bets on NBA games.
Investigators said Porter limited his participation in certain games. The activity was connected to betting outcomes. As a result, the NBA issued a lifetime ban.
Background Before Jontay Porter Joins USBL
Before Jontay Porter joins USBL, he played in the NBA and the G League. He appeared in games for the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in his career. He later signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors. He also played for Raptors 905 in the NBA G League.
Porter played 37 NBA games during his career. He averaged single-digit points and rebounds in those appearances.
In 2024, Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge was linked to the gambling case. He is awaiting sentencing in federal court. Reports have indicated a possible prison term of several years.
What Jontay Porter Joins USBL Means for His Career
Jontay Porter joins USBL as the league prepares for its 2026 season. The USBL operates independently from the NBA. His contract allows him to continue playing professional basketball outside the NBA structure.
The Seattle Super Hawks included him on their official roster. The signing marks his return to professional competition following the ban.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/banned-nba-jontay-porter-joins-usbls-superhawks–flm-2026-02-26/