The Upshot League, a freshly minted professional women’s basketball circuit, is gearing up for its inaugural season, showcasing a blend of former WNBA veterans and emerging college talents.
Opening night is slated for May 15, when the league’s four founding franchises will clash in a tournament‑style format across Savannah, Jacksonville, Charlotte and Greensboro.
Savannah to Greensboro: The Inaugural Host Cities
Each of the host cities will serve as a home base for a distinct team, with the league announcing plans to welcome Nashville and Baltimore as expansion markets in 2027, signaling a rapid growth trajectory.
All matches will stream live on the league’s dedicated YouTube channel, aiming to broaden accessibility and cultivate a digital‑first fan experience.
Stars Ready to Shine
Among the marquee names are AD Durr, who earned a 2019 draft pick by the New York Liberty before stints with the Atlanta Dream, and Shyanne Sellers, a second‑round selection of the Golden State Valkyries who previously trained with the Dallas Wings. Deja Kelly, a standout from the University of North Carolina, impressed during preseason work with the Las Vegas Aces but was ultimately omitted from the regular roster, while Harmoni Turner, Diamond Johnson and Zee Spearman round out a competitive pool of athletes.
Donna Orender, the league’s co‑founder and commissioner and a former WNBA president, emphasized that the organization is built on a foundation of talent development and community engagement, promising a fresh narrative for women’s basketball.
With expansion teams on the horizon and a commitment to digital broadcasting, the Upshot League hopes to carve out a lasting place in the professional sports landscape.