Charlotte is about to get a new professional sports team.
The Queen City was selected to house one of the four inaugural teams in The Upshot League, a new professional women’s basketball league launching in May 2026. The league’s first four teams will be based in Charlotte, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Greensboro.
“Charlotte has long been a city where sports thrive, boasting a rich tapestry of teams and events that cater to a diverse fan base and contribute to our vibrant sports culture,” Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell said in a press release. “Bojangles Coliseum is a venue with deep roots in our city’s history, and we are honored to host the UPSHOT League, where they will undoubtedly create new and exciting memories for our community.”
While the inaugural season starts with four teams, expansion opportunities are planned to bring the league to additional markets across the country. Charlotte’s team will play home games at Bojangles Coliseum, with a 40-game regular-season schedule consisting of 20 home and 20 away games.
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Fans can participate in a Name-The-Team contest through the team’s official website, TheUpShotCharlotte.com. Season ticket packages will start at $44, reflecting the 44 player positions created by the league.
The Upshot League is designed to provide a new platform for professional women’s basketball players, while also supporting the growth of the sport at all levels. The league’s investment group includes Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller, former WNBA/NBA executive Ann Meyers Drysdale, former WBA boxing champion Seniesa Estrada, former University of Florida basketball player Patric Young, actress Annie Q., and film producer Chris Robert.
With the establishment of The Upshot League, Charlotte continues to solidify its position as a major hub for professional sports, reinforcing the rising momentum of women’s athletics across the United States.
