CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Crown announced today the team’s inaugural home game will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, against the Jacksonville Waves at Bojangles Coliseum. In addition, the team will play its first game in franchise history on Friday, May 15, 2026, on the road in Jacksonville.
“This news marks an important next moment in women’s professional sports,” UPSHOT League Commissioner Donna Orender said. “We celebrate with our teams and these communities as we count down to introducing our players and our game to these foundational markets.”
The Crown will play a 34-game regular season, split between 17 home and 17 away contests. Charlotte’s complete schedule will be announced at a later date.
The Crown compete in the UPSHOT League, which is designed to UPlift talent, strengthen communities, and create meaningful pathways for athletes, fans, and city partners. Built on four core pillars—UPlift, UPward, UPend, and UProar—the league emphasizes opportunity, connection, and joy both on and off the court.
The UPSHOT League will launch with four inaugural teams: Charlotte, Jacksonville, the Savannah Steel and the Greensboro Groove. A fifth expansion team in Baltimore, MD, is set to begin play in 2027.
The UPSHOT League is led by former WNBA president and Generation W founder Donna Orender. This next platform in the increasingly popular women’s professional sports space is built on a culture of opportunity, connection and community through quality and engaging experience. The league is owned and operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Full and partial ticket plans for the Crown’s inaugural season are currently on sale! Payment plans are also available. Visit crownupshot.com for more information!
—CHARLOTTE CROWN—