The UPSHOT League Newsroom - Profile and News Archive
The UPSHOT League is a newly formed women’s professional basketball league built on the pillars of opportunity and community, with a mission to uplift players, fans, and the cities it serves. The league will debut with four founding teams: the Jacksonville Waves, Charlotte Crown, Greensboro Groove, and Savannah Steel, with additional market opportunities to follow.
Led by Commissioner Donna Orender, former President of the WNBA[MB1.1], The UPSHOT League brings elite leadership and a bold vision to the women’s sports landscape. Orender co-founded the league with Andy Kaufmann, founder of Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, combining deep experience in professional sports, community development, and innovative fan engagement.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League, a new professional women’s basketball league dedicated to expanding opportunities for elite players and strengthening connections within communities, today announced that Tamika Catchings has joined the league as an advisor and investor.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A new chapter in women’s professional basketball begins on March 1, 2026, as The UPSHOT League hosts its first open tryout for female athletes pursuing a professional pathway. The Hoops Showcase will take place from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Novant Fieldhouse in Greensboro, North Carolina. The UPSHOT League is a newly formed women’s professional basketball league built on the pillars of opportunity and community, with a mission to uplift players, fans, and the cities it serves.
