UPSHOT: New Women’s Basketball League Backed By Cheryl Miller Launching in 2026
Women’s basketball is getting a major new platform. Zawyer Sports & Entertainment has officially announced UPSHOT, a groundbreaking professional women’s basketball league set to debut in May 2026 — a bold step forward for the growth and visibility of women’s sports in the United States.
The league will launch with at least four teams representing Savannah, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Jacksonville, the latter also serving as UPSHOT’s league headquarters. The new organization promises to celebrate both the heritage and the future of women’s basketball, blending competitive play with cultural impact.
At the helm of UPSHOT is former WNBA president Donna Orender, one of the most respected voices in sports leadership. Orender, who played a pivotal role in expanding the WNBA’s reach during her tenure, brings decades of experience and advocacy for women in athletics. Her involvement signals that UPSHOT is not just another startup league—it’s a statement of purpose.
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“This is a special time — and I would say, it’s about time,” Orender said.
Each UPSHOT team will compete in a 40-game season, delivering high-energy basketball while honoring the sport’s roots. Players will don throwback jerseys paying tribute to trailblazers in women’s basketball, recognizing legends whose influence paved the way for today’s stars.
Backing the league are iconic investors and pioneers such as Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale, whose names carry immense weight in basketball history. Their involvement underscores UPSHOT’s mission — to create opportunities, community, and visibility for the next generation of women athletes.
UPSHOT arrives at a moment when women’s basketball is thriving like never before. With record-breaking WNBA viewership, expanding sponsorship deals, and star players achieving global recognition, the sport’s momentum has never been stronger. The new league aims to build on that foundation — expanding regional access to professional basketball and inspiring young girls to pursue their hoop dreams.
By combining deep-rooted respect for the game’s pioneers with modern vision and investment, UPSHOT is poised to redefine what’s possible for women’s professional basketball.
As the countdown to May 2026 begins, one thing is certain: the future of the women’s game is looking brighter than ever — and it’s spelled U-P-S-H-O-T.
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