BALTIMORE, MD — The UPSHOT League has officially announced the establishment of a new professional women’s basketball team in Baltimore. Scheduled to begin its inaugural season in 2027, this franchise is poised to be a significant addition to the city’s sports landscape.

Leadership Vision

Greg Resh, the Governor of UPSHOT Baltimore, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming franchise, stating, “I am humbled to be part of this amazing team who will be bringing a special league, team and players to Baltimore, my home town.” He highlighted the growing momentum of women’s sports, indicating that the UPSHOT Baltimore team will be vital to this movement.

Home Arena

The team will host its games at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, a venue managed by the Oak View Group. Doug Higgons, Senior Vice President of Oak View Group, remarked, “Welcoming the UPSHOT league to Baltimore marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter… We look forward to watching these athletes inspire fans across the region.”

Franchise Management

The franchise will be operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, an organization currently involved in managing several minor league hockey teams. Andy Kaufmann, CEO of Zawyer Sports, emphasized, “Bringing the team to this special community is more than an investment in sports — it’s an investment in people.” He noted their commitment to using basketball as a means of inspiration and opportunity.

League Overview

The UPSHOT League is set to kick off its inaugural season in May 2026, under the leadership of former WNBA president Donna Orender. Other franchises will be introduced in cities such as Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Greensboro, NC; and Charlotte, NC.