A New Era for Women’s Basketball
Diamond Johnson, a standout guard from the Mid‑Eastern Athletic Conference, is currently the face of the Upshot League, averaging 17.5 points per game through June 18 while also ranking second in assists and third in steals.
The league, co‑founded by former WNBA executive Donna Orender and Zawyer Sports CEO Andy Kaufmann, was created to give elite women’s players a professional platform, live streaming, and community ties, filling a gap left by traditional minor‑league structures.
Investors such as Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers Drysdale and Tamika Catchings bring Hall‑of‑Fame credibility, while Taj McWilliams‑Franklin, a two‑time WNBA champion, oversees basketball operations, ensuring a high‑level competitive environment.
Beyond Johnson, the roster reads like a who’s‑who of women’s basketball, featuring veterans Jessica Timmons, Rennia Davis and newcomers like Harmoni Turner, who brings Ivy League scoring prowess from Harvard and WNBA training‑camp experience.
Every game is broadcast live on the league’s YouTube channel, allowing fans nationwide to follow the action and engage with the sport’s growing community, a strategy that has helped the league attract sponsors and expand its footprint.
With plans to add franchises in Baltimore and Nashville, the Upshot League hopes to cement its place as a permanent fixture in the women’s professional basketball landscape, offering paid opportunities and a pathway to the WNBA for emerging talent.
Looking Ahead
The league’s leadership emphasizes that the combination of seasoned mentors, streaming accessibility and a focus on player development will drive sustained growth, positioning the Upshot League as a catalyst for the next generation of women’s basketball stars.