The Upshot League, a new professional women’s basketball league, is set to launch in Jacksonville, giving athletes a chance to play professionally in the U.S.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A new professional women’s basketball league is coming to Jacksonville, and local players are already hitting the court for a chance to be part of it.
The Upshot League hosted an open tryout showcase on Sunday at FSCJ’s South Campus as it prepares for its inaugural season.
Dozens of players from across the Southeast showed off their skills, hoping to earn a spot on one of the league’s four teams: the Jacksonville Waves, Savannah Steel, Greensboro Groove, and Charlotte Crown. The open tryout brought together women’s basketball talent from several states, with coaches and league officials evaluating players as they begin building their rosters.
Jessica Bogia, head coach of the Waves, says the league could have a meaningful impact on the community.
“I think it’s gonna help players, young students, athletes. All those have role models that they can look up to, things that they can thrive and strive to be like, and that – just really excited to put a face forward within the Jacksonville community,” Bogia said.
The Upshot League is a professional development league designed to provide paid opportunities, training, and exposure for elite players. Bogia says it also gives athletes another path to continue their careers without having to play overseas.
“Unfortunately, there’s not many spots in the W and a lot of people thrive to be that, you know. Here, this year alone, we’re gonna provide 44 more opportunities for players to play in the United States professionally. That means they don’t have to go overseas, that they can play here in front of their families, which I think is just, I think it’s awesome,” Bogia said.
League officials, including Commissioner Donna Orender, were also in attendance, watching players compete for roster spots.
“The upshot league is a place where rising athletes uplift entire communities. And with everything that’s happening, having been involved in the sports space for my whole life, I know the values and the value that sports, especially women’s sports, bring to all,” Orender said.
Coaches say that for many players, simply having the opportunity to compete is what matters most.
“I just want them to have fun. This is an opportunity that a lot of them have waited for. They come from all over the United States to be here, and just really excited for them to have this opportunity,” Bogia said.
The Upshot League is scheduled to tip off its first season on May 15 at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.