The Upshot League, a fresh and exciting professional women's basketball organization, has officially unveiled its rosters for its debut season, and the talent is absolutely stacked. With a mix of former WNBA draft picks and standout college stars, this league is set to deliver high-level competition right out of the gate.
Kicking off on May 15, the inaugural season will feature four teams based in Savannah, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Greensboro, North Carolina. And the momentum doesn't stop there—expansion franchises in Nashville and Baltimore are already slated to join the action in 2027. For fans eager to catch every moment, all games will be streamed live on the league's YouTube channel.
The season opener promises an exciting doubleheader: the Charlotte Crown will visit the Jacksonville Waves, while the Greensboro Groove will host the Savannah Steel. It's a perfect setup for basketball enthusiasts to dive into this new league from day one.
Donna Orender, a former WNBA president and now co-founder and commissioner of the Upshot League, expressed her enthusiasm for the talent assembled. "The depth of talent across the league reflects a powerful moment for the women's game," Orender said. "These athletes bring championship pedigrees, professionalism, and global experience to our inaugural season."
The rosters are headlined by some truly impressive names. AD Durr, the second overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the New York Liberty, brings elite experience after also playing for the Atlanta Dream. Three-time All-Big Ten selection Shyanne Sellers, who was drafted by the Golden State Valkyries and later spent time with the Dallas Wings, adds dynamic playmaking. Other notable stars include former Ivy League Player of the Year Harmoni Turner, three-time All-ACC selection Deja Kelly, former MEAC Player of the Year Diamond Johnson, and Tennessee's Zee Spearman, who was selected in the third round of this year's WNBA Draft.
For those who followed their journeys, this is a chance to see players like Kelly—who impressed in preseason action with the Las Vegas Aces—and Durr, who hasn't played in the WNBA since 2023, return to the court with something to prove. Whether you're a longtime women's basketball fan or new to the game, the Upshot League is shaping up to be a must-watch this season.