 | |
| Sport | Women's basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2025 |
| Founder | Zawyer Sports & Entertainment |
| First season | 2026 |
| Commissioner | Donna Orender |
| Motto | "To UP everyone's shot" "Uplift, elevate, and empower" "When You Show UP, We Rise UP" |
| No. of teams | 4 |
| Country | United States |
| Continent | North America |
| Official website | UpShotLeague.com |
 2026–27 | |
TheUpShot League is a professional developmentalwomen's basketball league in theUnited States.[1] FormerWNBA presidentDonna Orender will serve as the commissioner of the league.[2]
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.
On January 27, 2025,Zawyer Sports & Entertainment CEO Andy Kaufmann, who also operates professional teams such as theJacksonville Icemen andSavannah 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.[3]
That same day, the league's initial investors were announced. The group includedWomen's Basketball Hall of FamerCheryl Miller; formerWNBA/NBA executiveAnn Meyers Drysdale; formerWorld Boxing Association championSeniesa Estrada;Florida Gators men's basketball alumnus and Jacksonville nativePatric Young and his PY4 Foundation; as well as actressAnnie Q. Riegel and her husband, Chris.[3] On October 1, the Jacksonville team was publicly revealed as the "Waves."[4]
Kaufmann has expressed high expectations for the league's level of play, stating that "some first-round draft picks in next year'sWNBA 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."[4]
The following day, January 28, the league announced its second team, based inSavannah, Georgia.[5] On September 30, the Savannah team name was revealed as the "Steel."[6]
In response to news of the city's new team, Savannah MayorVan 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."[6]
On January 29, a third team, based inGreensboro, North Carolina, was announced. The team name, the "Groove," was revealed on October 10.[7][8]
The league announced on January 30 a fourth team, which was set to play inCharlotte, North Carolina. Its name, the "Crown," referencing the city's nickname “The Queen City,” was revealed on October 9.[9][10][11]
Later in 2025, on November 20, the league's first expansion team was announced. They will play inBaltimore, Maryland.[12]
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."[12]
The inaugural season will feature four teams, all based in theSoutheastern United States.[11]
| Team | Location | Venue | Cap | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Crown | Charlotte, NC | Bojangles Coliseum | 8,600 | 2026–27 |
| Greensboro Groove | Greensboro, NC | Novant Health Fieldhouse | 35,000+ | 2026–27 |
| Jacksonville Waves | Jacksonville, FL | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | 15,000 | 2026–27 |
| Savannah Steel | Savannah, GA | Enmarket Arena | 9,500 | 2026–27 |
| Team | Location | Venue | Cap | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | Catonsville, MD | Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena | 5,500 | 2027–28[12] |
The UpShot League is headquartered inJacksonville, Florida, and is operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment.[13]
.jpg)
