A New Beginning for Women’s Basketball
The landscape of women’s basketball is expanding with the launch of the UPSHOT League, a new professional competition set to tip off in May 2026. Positioned as a developmental and community-driven league, UPSHOT is designed to provide structure, exposure, and stability for players while complementing existing professional and collegiate systems.
League Structure and Teams
The inaugural season will feature four franchises:
- Jacksonville Waves
- Savannah Steel
- Charlotte Crown
- Greensboro Groove
Each team will compete in a 40-game schedule, emphasizing player growth and community involvement. Unlike traditional franchise models, UPSHOT employs a centralized ownership structure — teams are collectively owned but individually operated, ensuring financial oversight while preserving local autonomy.
Backed by Private Investment
The league is fully financed by Zawyer Sports CEO Andy Kaufmann, with over $10 million in initial funding. This private ownership approach is designed to ensure long-term sustainability without dependence on external sponsorships or unstable investment cycles — a recurring challenge in women’s sports.
Expansion and Vision
UPSHOT plans to expand to eight teams by 2027, strategically targeting mid-sized U.S. markets with strong basketball cultures and untapped fan bases. The league’s mission extends beyond competition, seeking to establish deep community roots and develop pathways for athletes, coaches, and executives across the women’s basketball ecosystem.
365247 Insight
UPSHOT represents more than just a new league — it’s an economic and developmental model that reflects the next phase of women’s sports growth. By combining centralized ownership, financial discipline, and local engagement, it bridges the gap between grassroots programs and elite professional competition.
If executed effectively, UPSHOT could emerge as a blueprint for sustainable women’s leagues worldwide — one that values both community equity and competitive excellence.
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