Launch
On January 27, 2025, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment CEO Andy Kaufmann, who also operates professional teams such as the Jacksonville Icemen and Savannah Ghost Pirates, announced the creation of a new women's basketball league. Jacksonville, Florida, was the first—and, at the time, only—city confirmed to have a team, with others planned to follow. All team names would be suggested by fans. [3]
That same day, the league's initial investors were announced. The group included Women's Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller; former WNBA/NBA executive Ann Meyers Drysdale; former World Boxing Association champion Seniesa Estrada; Florida Gators men's basketball alumnus and Jacksonville native Patric Young and his PY4 Foundation; as well as actress Annie Q. Riegel and her husband, Chris. [3] On October 1, the Jacksonville team was publicly revealed as the "Waves." [4]
Kaufmann has expressed high expectations for the league's level of play, stating that "some first-round draft picks in next year's WNBA Draft [would be] actually playing here in Jacksonville," and noting that "there's just not enough roster spots [in the WNBA] right now. It'll be a nice mix." [4]
The following day, January 28, the league announced its second team, based in Savannah, Georgia. [5] On September 30, the Savannah team name was revealed as the "Steel." [6]
In response to news of the city's new team, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said, "Savannah enjoys basketball, and for us, having a women’s professional team here is exciting for us for a variety of reasons... this warms my heart, and has me excited about the future for our city." [6]
On January 29, a third team, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, was announced. The team name, the "Groove," was revealed on October 10. [7] [8]
The league announced on January 30 a fourth team, which was set to play in Charlotte, North Carolina. Its name, the "Crown," referencing the city's nickname “The Queen City,” was revealed on October 9. [9] [10] [11]
Expansion
Later in 2025, on November 20, the league's first expansion team was announced. They will play in Baltimore, Maryland. [12]
Greg Resh, who will be acting as Governor for UpShot Baltimore said, "I am humbled to be part of this amazing team who will be bringing a special league, team and players to Baltimore, my home town. Women's sports are exploding with excitement, enthusiasm and participation, the UpShot Baltimore franchise will be at the center of this movement." [12]
2026–27 
