UpShot League
Professional women's developmental basketball league in the United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The UpShot League (often stylized as UPSHOT or Upshot) is a professional women's basketball league in the United States.[1] Former WNBA president Donna Orender will serve as the commissioner of the league.[2]
 | |
| Sport | Women's basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 27, 2025 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Founder | Zawyer Sports & Entertainment |
| First season | 2026 |
| Commissioner | Donna Orender |
| Motto | "To UP everyone's shot." |
| No. of teams | 4 |
| Country | United States |
| Headquarters | 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Continent | North America |
| Official website | UpShotLeague.com |
 2026–27 | |
The league is set to begin play in May 2026. The UpShot League's regular-season schedule will consist of 40 games, including 20 at home and 20 on the road. The league has announced plans to hold a player draft following the 2027 WNBA draft.[3]
History
Launch
On January 27, 2025, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment CEO Andy Kaufmann, who also operates professional teams such as the Jacksonville Icemen and Savannah Ghost Pirates, announced the creation of a new women's basketball league. Jacksonville, Florida, was the first—and, at the time, only—city confirmed to have a team, with others planned to follow. All team names would be suggested by fans.[4]
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That same day, the league's initial investors were announced. The group included Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale (formerly an executive with the WNBA and the NBA, respectively); former World Boxing Association champion Seniesa Estrada; Florida Gators men's basketball alumnus and Jacksonville native Patric Young and his PY4 Foundation; as well as actress Annie Q. Riegel and her husband, Chris.[4] On October 1, the Jacksonville team was publicly revealed as the "Waves."[5]
Kaufmann has expressed high expectations for the league's level of play, stating that "some first-round draft picks in next year's WNBA Draft [would be] actually playing here in Jacksonville," and noting that "there's just not enough roster spots [in the WNBA] right now. It'll be a nice mix."[5]
The following day, January 28, the league announced its second team, based in Savannah, Georgia.[6] On September 30, the Savannah team name was revealed as the "Steel."[7]
In response to news of the city's new team, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said, "Savannah enjoys basketball, and for us, having a women’s professional team here is exciting for us for a variety of reasons... this warms my heart, and has me excited about the future for our city."[7]
On January 29, a third team, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, was announced. The team name, the "Groove," was revealed on October 10. They will play at the Novant Health Fieldhouse, home to the Charlotte Hornets' NBA G League affiliate, Greensboro Swarm.[8][9]
The league announced on January 30 a fourth team, which was set to play in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its name, the "Crown," referencing the city's nickname “The Queen City,” was revealed on October 9.[10][11][12]
The league announced the opening matches for each team on December 8, 2025, with the season scheduled to begin on May 15, 2026.[13][14]
The league announced two open tryouts for women interested in joining. The tryouts, which were open to players with collegiate basketball experience, were held on March 1 and March 15, 2026, at Novant Health Fieldhouse in Greensboro, North Carolina, and at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) South Campus in Jacksonville, Florida, respectively.[15]
In mid-February 2026, the four teams announced their full season schedules. The season will run from May to August.[16]
On March 13, 2026, it was announced that Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings joined the league as an advisor and investor.[17]
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On April 21, the league announced its first player signings, with final rosters to be released May 9, 2026. The group featured former WNBA first-round picks Jasmine Walker and Asia "AD" Durr, as well as Lindsey Pulliam, Amiya Joyner, Que Morrison, and Schaquilla Nunn.[18]
Expansion
Baltimore
In November 2025, the league's first expansion team was announced. They will play in Baltimore, Maryland.[19]
Greg Resh, who will be acting as Governor for UpShot Baltimore said, "I am humbled to be part of this amazing team who will be bringing a special league, team and players to Baltimore, my home town. Women's sports are exploding with excitement, enthusiasm and participation, the UpShot Baltimore franchise will be at the center of this movement."[19]
Nashville
On April 9, 2026, the league announced its second expansion team, to play in Nashville, Tennessee.[20]
UpShot Nashville president and CEO Nancy VanReece said, "This is about access. This is about representation. This is about possibility... Because when young people, especially women, see themselves reflected on the court, in leadership and in opportunity, they begin to imagine something bigger for themselves. And the truth is Nashville is ready for this moment."[20]
Teams
The inaugural season will feature four teams, all based in the Southeastern United States.[12]
| Team | Location | Venue | Cap | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Crown | Charlotte, NC | Bojangles Coliseum | 8,600 | 2026 |
| Greensboro Groove | Greensboro, NC | Novant Health Fieldhouse | 2,118 | 2026 |
| Jacksonville Waves | Jacksonville, FL | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | 14,091 | 2026 |
| Savannah Steel | Savannah, GA | Enmarket Arena | 7,485 | 2026 |
| Team | Location | Venue | Cap | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | Catonsville, MD | Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena | 5,500 | 2027[19] |
| Nashville | Nashville, TN | Memorial Gymnasium | 14,316 | 2027[20] |
Timeline
Operations
The UpShot League is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and is operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment.[21]
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Key personnel
- Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports & Entertainment
- Donna Orender, Commissioner
- Taj McWilliams-Franklin, VP of Basketball Operations
Investors
- Cheryl Miller, Women's Basketball Hall of Famer
- Ann Meyers Drysdale, Women's Basketball Hall of Famer and former WNBA/NBA executive
- Seniesa Estrada, Former WBA boxing champion
- Patric Young, Former Florida Gators men's basketball player & PY4 Foundation
- Annie Q. Riegel, American actress, and her husband, Chris, American film producer
- Tamika Catchings, Women's Basketball Hall of Famer