Author Archives: The UPSHOT League

The UPSHOT League Announces Expansive Multi-Platform Media Distribution for Inaugural 2026 Basketball Season

A Comprehensive Media Launch for Women's Professional Basketball

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League will launch its inaugural 2026 season with one of the most comprehensive media distribution strategies ever assembled for a startup women’s sports league, combining the national Scripps Sports Network FAST channel, global streaming with YouTube and local over-the-air television distribution, including in all four Upshot League markets (Greensboro, Savannah, Charlotte and Jacksonville).

The UPSHOT League - Women's Basketball
Image caption: The UPSHOT League – Women’s Basketball.

UPSHOT League games will reach fans through a combination of live local broadcasts, delayed broadcasts, national distribution, and worldwide streaming access.

— COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS —

100% Game Coverage

Every UPSHOT League game will be available live globally via the official UPSHOT League YouTube Channel.

Fans worldwide will have free digital access to every regular season game

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

A 15-game national schedule will air on Scripps’ new FAST channel platform, providing additional national visibility and accessibility for fans and advertisers.

LOCAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION

UPSHOT League games will air across multiple over-the-air broadcast partners in key regional markets, including in the four UPSHOT local markets and other select Scripps local television markets.

Coverage includes live home and away games, delayed broadcasts, and in-market television partnerships.

 — BY THE NUMBERS —

LOCAL MARKET REACH

  • The 4 UPSHOT regional media markets, plus potentially several Scripps local markets.
  • Multiple broadcast station partners across Sinclair, Bahakel, Graham Media Group and Scripps.
  • Extensive over-the-air television accessibility

LOCAL MARKET COVERAGE DETAILS

:: CHARLOTTE COVERAGE

WCCB (Channel 18)

  • 34 total games carried
  • 24 live broadcasts
  • 10 delayed broadcasts
  • Exclusive in-market broadcaster status

:: GREENSBORO COVERAGE

WMYV (Channel 48)

  • 7 live broadcasts
  • Includes home opener coverage

:: JACKSONVILLE COVERAGE

WXJT (Channel 4) & WCWJ (Channel 17)

  • 9 scheduled broadcasts
  • Home opener live
  • Additional live away game coverage

:: SAVANNAH COVERAGE

WJCL (Channel 22) & WRDW (Channel 22.2)

  • 4 regional broadcasts
  • Combination of live and delayed coverage
  • Key summer showcase dates included

EXPANDING VISIBILITY FOR WOMEN’S SPORTS

By combining global free streaming access, over-the-air television distribution, and Scripps Sports Network FAST channel national exposure, the league is creating multiple entry points for fans to engage with teams, players, and communities throughout the inaugural season.

The distribution strategy also provides significant opportunities for sponsors, advertisers, and community partners seeking to align with the continued growth of women’s sports and emerging women’s professional basketball platforms.

COMMISSIONER STATEMENT

“The UPSHOT League is entering the national women’s sports conversation with a bold media strategy that delivers unmatched accessibility, visibility, and reach. Fueled by global live streaming, national FAST channel exposure through Scripps Sports Network, and a powerful network of local broadcast partners, UPSHOT is not simply joining the women’s sports movement, it is positioning itself as a major new platform built to elevate women’s basketball on a national and global stage.”

2026 DISTRIBUTION SNAPSHOT

2026 Distribution Snapshot Coverage
YouTube Global Streaming Every game live worldwide
Scripps Sports Network FAST Channel 15-game national schedule
Local OTA Broadcast Markets Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Savannah, and potentially several other Scripps local TV markets
Total Regional Broadcast Inventory 50+ local television windows
Distribution Model Local + National + Global

 

The FUTURE is UP.

Learn more at: https://upshotleague.com/

MEDIA CONTACT
LeslieAnne Wade
(917)751-7693
UPSHOT@UPSHOTLEAGUE.COM

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-expansive-multi-platform-media-distribution-for-inaugural-2026-basketball-season/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135421 NOREL-3B

 

The UPSHOT League Announces Inaugural Team Rosters Ahead of Historic Opening Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League today announced the official rosters for its four founding franchises — the Jacksonville WAVES, Savannah STEEL, Charlotte CROWN, and Greensboro GROOVE — featuring more than 40 athletes with WNBA, international, and elite NCAA experience.

The UPSHOT League
Image caption: The UPSHOT League.

“The depth of talent across the league reflects a powerful moment for the women’s game,” said Donna Orender. “These athletes bring championship pedigrees, professionalism, and global experience to our inaugural season.”

Across the league, rosters feature WNBA draft selections and training camp players, international professionals across multiple continents, NCAA Tournament veterans, conference champions, and standout performers from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and other premier programs.

:: JACKSONVILLE WAVES

Roster Snapshot

Six players bring WNBA experience through draft selections, training camps, or professional affiliations, while eight have competed internationally across Europe and global leagues. The roster also includes NCAA Tournament veterans and multiple All-Conference

honorees from major programs including Tennessee, Maryland, LSU, Alabama, and West Virginia.

Roster:

Ariel Hearn (G, Memphis)

Jasmine Walker (F, Alabama)

Lindsey Pulliam (G, Northwestern)

Brianna Turnage (F, Georgia Tech)

Emma Von Essen (G, Hofstra)

Khayla Pointer (G, LSU)

Madison Griggs (G, Memphis)

Shyanne Sellers (G, Maryland)

Taylor Soule (G, Virginia Tech)

Rennia Davis (G/F, Tennessee)

Adut Bulgak (C, Florida State)

:: SAVANNAH STEEL

Roster Snapshot

The STEEL feature athletes from nationally recognized programs including Louisville, Tennessee, Harvard, and SEC and ACC schools. Several players earned All-Conference recognition or led their teams statistically, while the roster emphasizes perimeter scoring, defensive intensity, and positional flexibility.

Roster:

Iyana Moore, (G, Notre Dame)

Sydney Shaw, (G, West Virginia)

Megan McConnell, (G, Duquesne)

Zee Spearman, (F, Tennessee)

Harmoni Turner, (G, Harvard)

Lasha Petree, (G, Purdue)

Ariel Colón (G, FIU)

Lauryn Taylor, (G, FGCU)

Quanniecia “Que” Morrison, (G, Georgia)

Kharyssa Richardson, (F, Mississippi State)

Olivia Cochran, (F, Louisville)

:: CHARLOTTE CROWN

Roster Snapshot

The Charlotte CROWN enter the inaugural UPSHOT League season with one of the most recognizable backcourts in the league, led by Asia “AD” Durr and Deja Kelly. The roster blends elite guard play, frontcourt size, and championship experience across multiple power conferences.

Charlotte features multiple players with WNBA experience, training camp exposure, or professional affiliations. The roster includes athletes from the ACC, SEC, Big 12, and Pac-12, and is anchored by elite scoring guards, versatile forwards, and experienced interior presence.

Roster:

Dazia Lawrence (G, Kentucky)

Quinzia Fulmore (C, Elon)

Reigan Richardson (G, Duke)

E’lisia Grissett (F, South Carolina)

Deja Kelly (PG, Oregon)

Asia “AD” Durr (G, Louisville)

Diamond McDowell (F, Anderson)

Emer Nichols (C, Texas A&M)

Jasmyne Roberts (G, Miami)

Eboni Walker (F, Ohio State)

Chloe Welch (G, Saint Joseph’s)

:: GREENSBORO GROOVE

The Greensboro GROOVE open the season with a roster centered around elite guard play, championship pedigree, and frontcourt size. Led by Diamond Johnson and Christyn Williams, the group blends explosive scoring, defensive versatility, and high-level collegiate success.

Greensboro features athletes from elite programs including UConn, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and Colorado. Multiple players bring NCAA Tournament experience, All-Conference honors, and professional or international exposure, combining perimeter firepower with interior strength.

Roster:

Diamond Johnson (PG, Norfolk State)

Sonya Morris (G, Texas)

Kamaria McDaniel (G, Michigan State)

Jessica Timmons (G, Alabama)

Christyn Williams (G, UConn)

Sahara Jones (G/F, Texas A&M)

Tayanna Jones Bell (G/F, Colorado)

Mya Hollingshed (G/F, Colorado)

Tai’Sheka Porchia (PF, Troy)

Maria Gakdeng (F/C, North Carolina)

Amiya Joyner (F, Colorado)

The UPSHOT League tips off its inaugural season on May 15, 2026, establishing a new platform for elite women’s basketball talent from across professional, international, and collegiate pathways. Learn more at: https://upshotleague.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
LeslieAnne Wade
UPSHOT League
upshot@upshotleague.com

LOGO link for media: https://upshotleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UPSHOT_LOGO.png

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-inaugural-team-rosters-ahead-of-historic-opening-season/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135284 NOREL-3B

 

UPSHOT League Announces Founding Partners for Jacksonville Waves Ahead of Inaugural Season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League on Tuesday announced its founding corporate partners supporting the launch of the Jacksonville Waves, marking a significant milestone in the buildout of the league’s inaugural season and its mission to elevate women’s professional basketball through community-driven investment and innovation.

The UPSHOT League
Image caption: The UPSHOT League.

The league’s founding partners include CSI Companies; ACUVUE, the world’s leading§ contact lens brand from Johnson & Johnson, and Florida Blue.

These partnerships reflect a growing commitment from leading national and regional organizations to invest in women’s professional sports, community health, and the long-term development of elite women’s athletics.

“Sports teaches discipline, resilience, and the value of working toward a shared goal,” said Josh Bowling, CFO, CSI Companies. “Basketball has had a profound impact in my life, and I’ve seen firsthand how the game helps shape leadership and builds character. Being a founding partner of the Waves’ inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for CSI to support women’s sports while investing in something that will inspire our community for years to come.”

Co-founder and Commissioner Donna Orender emphasized the broader significance of these early partnerships:

“Founding partners are more than simply sponsors—they are builders of the future of women’s professional sports. Each of these organizations understands the power of alignment with a league that is rooted in community impact, elite competition, and long-term growth. Their support signals confidence not just in the UPSHOT League, but in the athletes, cities, and fans who will define this next era.”

The Jacksonville Waves represent one of four inaugural franchises in the UPSHOT League’s first season, alongside teams in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Savannah. The league is designed to blend high-performance basketball with strong regional identity, corporate partnership integration, and year-round community engagement.

The addition of founding partners provides early infrastructure support across brand development, health and wellness initiatives, and community programming that will extend well beyond the court.

About UPSHOT League

The Upshot League is a premier women’s professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women’s basketball in the United States. https://upshotleague.com/

Media Contact:
LeslieAnne Wade
(917) 751-7693

References:
§ Source Euromonitor International Limited; Eyewear 2025 edition; value sales at rsp, all retail channels, 2023 data; “ACUVUE® family of brands” represents aggregated sales of the following brands: 1-day ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS, ACUVUE® VITA®, and ACUVUE® 2.

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-announces-founding-partners-for-jacksonville-waves-ahead-of-inaugural-season/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135275 NOREL-3B

 

DUNKMAN, founded by Shaquille O’Neal Provides Gear and Uniforms for the UPSHOT League Ahead of Inaugural Season Launch

League tips off May 15, delivering new opportunities across women's professional basketball

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dunkman, the apparel and brand platform founded by basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, has designed and delivered a new generation of uniforms for the UPSHOT League as the league prepares for its inaugural season tipping off May 15.

The UPSHOT League
Image caption: The UPSHOT League.

Through this partnership, Dunkman’s supply of all on-court uniforms, shoes and gear bring a bold, modern aesthetic and performance-driven innovation to a league built around expanding access and opportunity for elite women’s basketball players.

“It’s about time women’s basketball is being recognized,” said O’Neal. “I’m a big fan—these players can really play. There are more great players than there are opportunities, and the UPSHOT League, which tips off on the 15th, is creating those opportunities.”

The UPSHOT League enters the market at a pivotal moment for the sport, with rising fan engagement and a deep talent pipeline seeking additional professional platforms. The partnership with Dunkman underscores a shared commitment to elevating the visibility, professionalism, and cultural impact of the women’s game.

“Women’s basketball is in an era of celebration with the advocates and allies who are joining the fold,” said Donna Orender, Co-Founder and Commissioner of the UPSHOT League. “The UPSHOT League is rooted in opportunity—opportunity for players, coaches, markets, and partners to grow the game in new ways. It’s energy-infusing to feel all of basketball and all basketball fans lean into that spirit. Partnerships like this with Dunkman help bring that vision to life in real ways on and off the court.”

Dunkman’s involvement extends beyond uniforms, aligning with the league’s broader mission to create a dynamic, culturally relevant platform that resonates with both traditional basketball audiences and new fans alike.

The UPSHOT League’s inaugural season tips off May 15, 2026, with teams in Jacksonville (Waves), Charlotte (Crown), Savannah (Steel) and Greensboro (Groove). Expansion teams for next season have already been announced in Baltimore and Nashville.

ABOUT THE UPSHOT LEAGUE

The UPSHOT League, co-founded by Donna Orender and Zawyer Sports CEO, Andy Kaufmann, is a premier women’s professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women’s basketball in the United States. https://upshotleague.com/

MEDIA CONTACT:
LeslieAnne Wade
(917) 751-7693
Upshot@UpshotLeague.com

LOGO: https://upshotleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UPSHOT_LOGO.png

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dunkman-founded-by-shaquille-oneal-provides-gear-and-uniforms-for-the-upshot-league-ahead-of-inaugural-season-launch/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135228 NOREL-3B

 

UPSHOT League Unveils First Premier Players Ahead of Inaugural Season with Final Rosters Announced May 8

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The UPSHOT League, a new professional women’s basketball league created to expand elite playing opportunities and elevate communities, today announced its first wave of premier players set to define the league’s debut season. This curated group of athletes brings together standout talent from the WNBA, top collegiate programs, and leading international teams—establishing an immediate and unmistakable standard of excellence. The announcement was made by UPSHOT League Co-Founder and Commissioner Donna Orender, alongside VP of Basketball Operations Taj McWilliams-Franklin.

The UPSHOT League
Image caption: The UPSHOT League.

“This is a foundational moment for the Upshot League,” said Orender. “These players reflect exactly who we are—elite, competitive, and globally relevant from day one. They are seizing expanded opportunities, and we celebrate creating a new stage for women’s professional basketball.”

Collectively, this class includes WNBA first- through third-round draft selections, multiple All-Americans, conference players of the year, and internationally decorated professionals with experience across Europe and global competition.

INAUGURAL PLAYER SIGNINGS

Lindsey Pulliam | 5’10” | Shooting Guard
Northwestern University

  • 2021 WNBA Draft – 3rd Round, 27th Pick (Atlanta Dream)
  • 2× First Team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020)
  • Second Team All-Big Ten (2021)
  • USA Basketball Silver Medalist – 2019 Pan American Games
  • Professional experience: Spain, Turkey, Slovakia

Jasmine Walker | 6’3” | Power Forward
Florida State / Alabama

  • 2021 WNBA Draft – 1st Round, 7th Pick (Los Angeles Sparks)
  • 2× All-SEC Selection
  • All-America Honorable Mention
  • SEC leader in three-point field goals
  • Led Alabama to its first NCAA Tournament berth in 22 years
  • School-record 41 points and 15 rebounds
  • Katrina McClain Award Finalist
  • High School Honors:
    • Gatorade Player of the Year
    • Alabama Miss Basketball
  • Professional experience: France, Athletes Unlimited

Amiya Joyner | 6’2” | Forward
LSU / East Carolina University

  • 2026 College All-Star Game Participant (Team Cheryl Miller)
  • 2025 All-AAC First Team
  • 2023 AAC Freshman of the Year
  • 2023 All-AAC Third Team
  • 8× AAC Freshman of the Week
  • AAC All-Tournament Team
  • Former 4-star ESPN recruit
  • High School State Champion

Asia (AD) Durr | 5’10” | Guard
University of Louisville

  • 2× ACC Player of the Year (2018, 2019)
  • 2× WBCA First Team All-American
  • 2× AP First Team All-American
  • 2019 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Winner
  • 2019 Dawn Staley Award Winner
  • 2019 WNBA Draft – 2nd Overall Pick
  • Career averages: 17 PPG, 2 APG, 3 RPG

Que Morrison | Guard
University of Georgia

  • 2022 All-SEC Second Team
  • 3× SEC All-Defensive Team
  • 2021 SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year
  • Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List
  • Dawn Staley Award Watch List
  • SEC All-Freshman Team (2018)

Schaquilla Nunn | 6’3” | Center
University of Tennessee

  • 1,000+ career points
  • 1,000+ career rebounds
  • 2026: Recorded 28 points and 21 rebounds in Cup Quarterfinal game
  • 2026: League MVP (Portugal)
  • 2017 WNBA Draft – 25th Overall Pick

ABOUT THE UPSHOT LEAGUE

The Upshot League is a premier women’s professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women’s basketball in the United States.

MEDIA CONTACT:
UPSHOT League Communications
LeslieAnne Wade
(917) 751-7693
https://upshotleague.com/

LOGO link for media: https://upshotleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UPSHOT_LOGO.png

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-unveils-first-premier-players-ahead-of-inaugural-season-with-final-rosters-announced-may-8/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P134765 NOREL-3B

 

Tamika Catchings Joins the UPSHOT League as Advisor and Investor, Alongside Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale

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.

The UPSHOT League
Image caption: The UPSHOT League.

Catchings joins an extraordinary leadership group that already includes basketball pioneers Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale, helping shape the vision and future of the league as it prepares to tip off its inaugural season in May 2026.

“I’m so excited to join the UPSHOT League alongside Cheryl and Ann, two of the most influential people in our sport,” said Catchings. “There are so many talented players and I’m proud to be a part of the effort to create new opportunities for them. I can’t wait to officially kick off the season in May.”

Tamika Catchings is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball. A four-time Olympic gold medalist, Catchings spent her entire 15-year WNBA career with the Indiana Fever, leading the franchise to a WNBA championship in 2012. Known for her relentless defense and leadership, she earned five WNBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and captured both NCAA and WNBA championships during her career. Catchings was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the game.

The UPSHOT League was co-founded by Andy Kaufmann, CEO, Zawyer of Zawyer Sports and Donna Orender, who also serves as Commissioner of the UPSHOT League. The league is built around a mission of creating additional professional opportunities for women’s basketball players while fostering meaningful and trusted connections with the communities the teams serve.

“Tamika Catchings represents the very best of our sport—competitive excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to community,” said Orender. “Her experience as a champion and ambassador for the game will help guide our league as we build a platform that expands opportunities for women in professional basketball.”

Catchings joins fellow advisor Cheryl Miller, widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history of women’s basketball. Miller’s impact spans playing, coaching, and broadcasting. She has served as a sideline reporter for NBA games on TNT Sports and currently works with NBA TV as a reporter and analyst, after previously working as a sportscaster for ABC Sports, TBS Sports, and ESPN. Miller also served as head coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, further cementing her legacy as a pioneer and leader in the sport.

Also serving as an advisor is Ann Meyers Drysdale, a trailblazer who excelled at every level of basketball—from high school and college to the Olympic Games, international competition, and the professional ranks—before becoming one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.

The UPSHOT League will launch its inaugural season in May 2026, featuring teams in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Greensboro. Together with its growing roster of leaders and partners, the league aims to build a player-focused professional platform that celebrates elite competition while strengthening the bond between teams and the communities they represent.

Media Contact:
LeslieAnne Wade
UPSHOT League
(917) 751-7693
https://upshotleague.com/

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tamika-catchings-joins-the-upshot-league-as-advisor-and-investor-alongside-cheryl-miller-and-ann-meyers-drysdale/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133894 NOREL-3B

 

The UPSHOT League Announces its Women’s Professional Basketball Tryouts

March 1 in Greensboro, North Carolina and March 15 in Jacksonville, Florida

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 Announces Women’s Professional Basketball Tryouts
Image caption: The UPSHOT League Announces Women’s Professional Basketball Tryouts.

A second open tryout is scheduled for March 15 in Jacksonville, Florida, at FSCJ South Campus, also from 1:00–4:00 p.m. These open tryouts mark the first official step for players as the league prepares for its inaugural season.

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, 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.

“These tryouts represent more than roster spots — they represent real opportunity,” said Orender. “The UPSHOT League is committed to creating a professional platform where women athletes are valued, supported, and connected to their communities in meaningful ways. These women will be new heroes in new cities.”

Tryouts in each market will give aspiring professional players who have exhausted their college eligibility the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of league executives and coaching staffs as teams begin assembling rosters for the season, which tips off May 15. Final rosters will be announced May 9.

Players may pre-register for tryouts at https://upshotleague.com/.

With a focus on uplifting people and strengthening the cities it calls home, The UPSHOT League aims to be a powerful force in the continued growth of women’s professional basketball. The league’s community-first model emphasizes player development, local engagement, and creating meaningful pathways both on and off the court.

Additional details regarding tryout registration and the full inaugural season schedule are available on the league’s website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
LeslieAnne Wade
(917) 751-7693

MULTIMEDIA:
LOGO link for media: https://upshotleague.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/UPSHOT_LOGO.png

NEWS SOURCE: The UPSHOT League


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The UPSHOT League), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-its-womens-professional-basketball-tryouts/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133011 NOREL-3B