JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The UPSHOT League today announced a leadership transition, with Donna Orender’s tenure as Commissioner concluding effective August 31, 2026. The League extends its appreciation to Commissioner Orender for her role in helping launch the league and guide it through its inaugural season.
UPSHOT debuted in May 2026 with four founding teams in Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville and Savannah, delivering a competitive inaugural season that culminated with the Charlotte Crown becoming the league’s first champion. That foundation now sets the stage for UPSHOT’s next chapter, with expansion teams in Baltimore and Nashville set to debut in 2027 and additional growth opportunities underway for its second season and beyond.
As part of that next phase, VP of Basketball Operations Taj McWilliams-Franklin has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner and will help lead the league during this transition period. Zawyer Sports + Entertainment also recently named former NBA player Dee Brown as VP of Basketball Operations, where he will work alongside McWilliams-Franklin as UPSHOT continues to strengthen its basketball operations and prepare for future growth.
UPSHOT’s mission to create professional opportunities, uplift players and communities, and build a league the women’s game and its fans deserve remains unchanged. Planning for the 2027 season is underway, and the League’s commitment to its players, teams, fans, investors and partners continues with full force.
For media inquiries, contact UPSHOT at upshot@orchestraco.com.
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