Today, Zawyer Sports & Entertainment announced that Dee Brown, former NBA player and basketball executive, has been named Vice President of Basketball Operations for Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, expanding his role after previously serving as a consultant to UPSHOT and Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. Brown will work alongside Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin as the league strengthens its basketball operations and prepares for the 2027 season.
Brown brings significant professional basketball experience to the role. A first-round selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1990 NBA Draft, he played 12 NBA seasons with Boston, Toronto, and Orlando and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Following his playing career, Brown moved into coaching, player development, and basketball operations, most recently serving as Vice President of Integrated Development & G League Operations for the Los Angeles Clippers and General Manager of the organization’s G League affiliate. Since 2021, he has held several leadership roles at his alma mater, Jacksonville University.
“I’m excited to step into this leadership role with Zawyer Sports & Entertainment and UPSHOT and partner with Taj as we prepare for the 2027 season,” said Brown. “I have spent my career as a player, coach, and executive, and have learned something different about what players and teams need to succeed at every stop. I look forward to putting those lessons into practice.”
“As we add teams and enter new markets, maintaining the highest standard across our basketball operations is critical,” said Andy Kaufmann, UPSHOT Co-Founder and CEO of Zawyer Sports & Entertainment. “Dee understands what we’re building and has the experience to execute at that level as the league continues to grow.”
UPSHOT completed its inaugural season in August, with the Charlotte Crown earning the league’s first championship following a season of play across Charlotte, Greensboro, Jacksonville, and Savannah. Planning for the 2027 season is underway, with new teams in Baltimore and Nashville joining the league and additional expansion markets in development.
The league was created to expand the number of high-level professional opportunities in women’s basketball in the United States — a mission that continues to guide UPSHOT as it enters its second season.
ABOUT THE UPSHOT LEAGUE
The UPSHOT League is a premier women's professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women's basketball in the United States. The league currently consists of six teams, including: Jacksonville Waves, Charlotte Crown, Greensboro Groove, Savannah Steel, Baltimore Starlings, and Nashville Vibe. For more information, including live game schedules, tickets, and real-time statistics, visit the UPSHOT league website at upshotleague.com or follow @upshotleague on major social platforms.