ANNOUNCING A NEW GRID LEAGUE TEAM: HOUSTON
In January, 2024, the premier Grid League organization changed its name from the Florida Grid League, to the United Grid League.
While the League had its start nearly 100% within the state of Florida in 2017, it has since grown significantly with a fan and player base from around the United States and the world. The name change reflected the growth of the sport and the intention to begin the expansion of signing physical teams beyond the state. This started with the move of the Gainesville Wild to Atlanta prior to the 2024 Season.
The name update announcement included the plan to bring on two new teams prior to the 2025 Season and increase the total number of teams from 8 to 10. This Houston team announcement marks the first of those two teams being signed.
Texas: the ideal state for the next Grid League team
Players began commuting from Texas to play in the Florida Grid League in 2018 and the number of Texas based players has grown since.
“Texas has always seemed to ‘get it’ when it comes to Grid League,” says UGL Commissioner Mather Wiswall. “With competitive CrossFit and American football being so popular in Texas, it’s no surprise that the Grid League has found a natural home here. Grid League is the perfect blend of the two.”.
In addition, the League holds connections with multiple fitness events and expo hosts lending good opportunities to hold events in the state. That being said, decisions on where 2025 events will be held will not take place until December at the annual Team Owner yearly planning meeting.
Team leadership
One of the very first players to begin commuting to Florida to play in the League was Sophia Davenport. She signed to the Palm Beach Elite that year and has played for 3 different teams in every season since.
As she has progressed in the sport, her understanding and love for it has grown.
“When the opportunity to run a team came up, I jumped at it,” says Davenport. “I’ve watched this sport grow from the inside, and I’m excited to bring the Grid League to Houston, my home.” “Taking on team ownership responsibilities is a challenge I’ve been preparing for my entire career,” Davenport continues. “From understanding the dynamics of player development to managing the logistics of competition, I’m ready to ensure our team not only thrives but also becomes a source of pride for the Houston community. It’s an incredible honor to combine my passion for the sport with this new leadership role.
She also recruited a past teammate, in Carissa Macay, to join her in team leadership. The two have remained close since their Season together on the Palm Beach Elite in 2019. Carrissa has experience with other teams as well as at the League level having helped to develop the League’s current stat management process.
Houston as the home city
Sophia trains out of CrossFit Enoch which is 30 minutes outside of downtown Houston. She is excited to bring attention to the gym as part of the team’s brand. The veteran led community is a big part of Sophia’s competitive and professional life and will act as a great home gym where possible.
In addition, Houston is the largest city in Texas with a rich sports history and is the closest city to other important Grid League regions such as Dallas, Louisiana, Alabama, and of course, western Florida.
The team’s branding, additional staff, and partners will be announced soon.
To contact the team email them or message them on their instagram page.
What is next for the United Grid League
With the Houston team finalized, one more team spot remains available before the 2025 Season. Although multiple groups and locations have begun the process of forming a team, none have yet met the requirements
If you are interested in starting a Grid League team in your region, learn more at the link below.