A Historic Night for the Upshot League
The inaugural championship game of the Upshot League delivered a narrative as dramatic as the sport itself, with Charlotte overcoming a 14‑point second‑half deficit to post an 81‑76 victory over Jacksonville.
Deja Kelly was the catalyst, finishing with 29 points and six rebounds, a performance that earned her the league’s first MVP award.
The contest featured five lead changes and four ties, each swing of momentum keeping a capacity crowd on the edge of their seats until the final seconds, when a clutch play sealed the win.
The celebration extended beyond the hardwood, honoring trailblazers of the game. Cheryl Miller, Ann Meyers Drysdale and Tamika Catchings were among the generations of women’s basketball legends who attended, underscoring the league’s deep roots in the sport’s history.
League commissioner Donna Orender praised the evening as a validation of years of hard work and growth, while NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan were also present, adding star power to the festivities.
The Upshot League announced plans to expand next season, with new franchises slated for Baltimore and Nashville, signaling a commitment to nationwide reach and increased competition.
The championship weekend also featured a luncheon with panels on women’s empowerment, bringing together WNBA veterans, league leaders and community advocates to discuss the future of the sport.
With the inaugural season now in the books, the league looks ahead to building on this momentum, leveraging its growing fan base and strategic partnerships to cement its place in the professional basketball landscape.