The pro basketball landscape is getting more crowded, as 2026 newcomer Upshot League aims to provide lower-tier opportunities for graduating NCAA talent.
Tipping off next week, the league features four teams — Charlotte Crown, Greenbsoro Groove, Jacksonville Wave, and Savannah Steel — tackling 40 regular-season games with an eye on expansion.
Upshot launches with significant support, after backers including basketball legends Tamika Catchings, Cheryl Miller, and Ann Meyers Drysdale helped raise an initial $40 million in funding.
As WNBA roster cuts continue to limit professional pathways, new leagues are filling the gap while bringing the game to previously unserved markets.
“These players reflect exactly who we are — elite, competitive, and globally relevant from day one,” Upshot co-founder and commissioner Donna Orender said of the inaugural lineup.
“They are seizing expanded opportunities, and we celebrate creating a new stage for women’s professional basketball.”
Upshot League tips off its first-ever season on Friday, May 15th, with live coverage on YouTube.
