Charlotte Crown Assembles Inaugural Roster
The Upshot basketball League, a new 5‑on‑5 professional circuit, will tip off on May 15 with a four‑team lineup that includes the Charlotte Crown, Savannah Steel, Jacksonville Waves and Greensboro Groove.
All games will be streamed live on the league’s YouTube channel, giving fans across the country real‑time access to the action.
The league’s leadership includes basketball legends Tamika Catching, Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale, who serve as investors and advisors, lending credibility and strategic guidance to the venture.
Season Timeline and Venues
Each franchise will play a 34‑game schedule, culminating in August, with the Crown opening its season on the road against Jacksonville before hosting its first home game at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte.
The schedule is designed to balance travel and rest, allowing teams to build chemistry while maintaining a compact season that ends before the summer heat peaks.
LeLe Grissett, a 6‑foot‑2 guard who spent five seasons (2018‑22) at the University of South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley, brings a blend of experience and versatility to the Crown’s roster.
Grissett was a key reserve on the Gamecocks’ 2022 national title team, finishing her college career as the program’s all‑time leader in games played (150) and SEC games played (77), while averaging 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest.
After college, she pursued professional opportunities abroad, gaining international experience that she now hopes to translate into impact for the Crown.
The league has announced plans to expand in 2027, adding franchises in Baltimore and Nashville, a move that could reshape the landscape of women’s professional basketball.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Upshot League aims to provide a competitive platform that showcases the depth and excitement of women’s basketball.