Zawyer Sports & Entertainment was founded in 2018 by Andy Kaufmann.[1] The company name is derived from the names of his sons, Zach and Sawyer. In July 2018, Kaufmann and a group of Jacksonville-based investors purchased the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL, making the Icemen the only locally owned professional sports team in Jacksonville at the time.[2]
Early expansion (2019–2021)
In 2019, Zawyer expanded from single-team ownership into a multi-team management company by acquiring the Fort Myers Miracle, a High-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Kaufmann, through Kaufy Baseball, LLC., took controlling interest, and the team was rebranded as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels for the 2020 season.[3][4]
Locations of teams owned or operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment Multiple Baseball Basketball Hockey
Between 2022 and 2024, Zawyer expanded its hockey operations significantly. The company launched the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the ECHL, an expansion franchise approved in January 2021 that brought professional minor-league hockey to the new Savannah Arena (later Enmarket Arena) beginning with the 2022–23 ECHL season.[5]
In July 2024, Zawyer acquired a controlling interest in the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, with longtime owner Michael Kahn retaining a minority stake.[6] In June 2025, Shawn Lynch was appointed president of the Checkers, succeeding Tera Black.[7]
In January 2022, majority ownership of the Mighty Mussels transferred to John Martin, with Kaufy Baseball, LLC. remaining as a principal owner under his management.[11]
Zawyer expanded beyond team ownership into facilities and related businesses. This includes the acquisition and operation of Community First Igloo, a multi-purpose ice facility in Jacksonville featuring ice sheets and training spaces.[12] In late 2022, Zawyer acquired C3 Media Group (later rebranded as 32 Degrees Marketing), expanding its marketing and creative services capabilities.
In November 2025, Zawyer entered into a partnership with Jacksonville Armada FC. The partnership involves operational management, including ticketing, marketing, and stadium operations, while the club pursues entry into MLS NEXT Pro.[16] Zawyer also operates a forthcoming SPHL franchise in Mobile, Alabama, with the team name to be selected by fans and play scheduled for 2027.[17]
Launch of the UpShot League (2025–future)
In January 2025, Zawyer announced the creation of the UpShot League, a professional women's basketball league planned to begin in May 2026. The league is headquartered in Jacksonville and will include teams in Jacksonville, Savannah, Charlotte, and Greensboro, with expansion to Baltimore planned for 2027. Former WNBA president Donna Orender serves as commissioner for the league.[18]
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