Baltimore Starlings is the official name of the city’s new professional women’s basketball team. The club will enter the UPSHOT League in 2027 and play home games at UMBC, as noted by Baltimore Chronicle.
The announcement was confirmed by the UPSHOT League and reported by The Baltimore Banner. The league lists Baltimore among its expansion markets for the 2027 season.
Baltimore Starlings name and logo connect the team to Maryland
The Starlings name emerged from a fan contest held earlier in 2026. Baltimore residents submitted ideas and later voted on the options.
The new logo features a starling in Maryland-inspired colors. A star appears at its center, linking the identity to Fort McHenry.
That reference points to the site connected with Francis Scott Key and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The bird theme also fits Baltimore’s established sports landscape.
The city already has the Ravens in the NFL and Orioles in Major League Baseball. The Starlings now add another bird identity to Baltimore sports.
Key details about the franchise include:
- Team name: Baltimore Starlings
- League: UPSHOT League
- First season: May 2027
- Home venue: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
- Team president: Sonia Chase
The club will become one of UPSHOT’s expansion teams after the league’s first season in 2026. Nashville is also scheduled to join the competition.
Sonia Chase will lead Baltimore’s new women’s basketball team
Baltimore native Sonia Chase serves as president of the Starlings. She previously played in the WNBA and starred at the University of Maryland.
“The Baltimore Starlings represent everything this city stands for: determination, grit, and pride,” Chase said in the team’s announcement.
She also connected the club’s identity with the movement of starling flocks. Chase said players, supporters and Baltimore become stronger when they move together.
| Detail | Baltimore Starlings |
|---|---|
| Debut | May 2027 |
| Arena | Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena |
| Location | UMBC campus |
| President | Sonia Chase |
| Competition | UPSHOT League |
The arena gives the franchise an established home before its first roster is completed. Coaching appointments and player signings are expected during the build-up to 2027.
What is the UPSHOT League?
UPSHOT is a professional women’s basketball league headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its inaugural 2026 teams were Charlotte Crown, Greensboro Groove, Jacksonville Waves and Savannah Steel.
The league positions itself as another professional pathway for elite players. Every 2026 game was also made available through the league’s global digital distribution strategy.
For Baltimore, the Starlings bring professional women’s basketball into a crowded sports market with a distinctly local identity. The first games are scheduled for May 2027.
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