In what might be the most heartbreaking, multi-league exodus in modern sports history, the Bay Area — and in particular, Oakland — has recently suffered more than its fair share of hometown woes. Between the bumbling soullessness of Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher, the departure of the Raiders and the not-so-distant transplanting of the Golden State Warriors in recent seasons, fanbases have experienced no shortage of rage and disappointment.
The Bay Area’s response? To gather an eclectic and boisterous assemblage of fans and community members, and organize with a grassroots ferocity rarely seen in the sports world. The past few months have seen the Bay creating new teams — separate from the level of the Giants, 49ers, Warriors and the newly minted Valkyries — garnering independent support and marching downfield with an unwavering appreciation for the underdog.
The upshot is that, this summer, there are more ways than ever to enjoy an affordable sports outing with your family — and, in doing so, proving that Bay Area sports fans are resilient and loyal. Here’s a brief rundown on how to support the Bay’s most exciting teams (without putting any money in Fisher’s feeble hands).
Oakland Ballers
In search of a locally rooted organization committed to preserving Oakland’s storied baseball identity? Look no further than the B’s — short for Ballers — whose snazzy, historically-forward logo and uniforms harken back to the city’s prolific baseball legacy among shipyard workers and Black unions. The brand new team will play at Raimondi Park in West Oakland and compete in the Pioneer League — an independent collection of minor league franchises with no Major League Baseball affiliations. Though their season doesn’t start until late May, the organization has already hit a home run by signing the league’s first-ever female pitcher, Kelsie Whitmore. Tickets here.
Bay FC
We’re witnessing the largest surge for women’s sports in history — and we can be proud that the Bay Area is at its forefront. In addition to the WNBA’s announcement of a Golden State expansion franchise in 2025, the region scored extra points by introducing their newest women’s soccer team: Bay FC, who made a splash by signing six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala. Their Nike-designed kits and Old English crest have elicited much excitement, and the schedule promises a variety of celebratory nights, including Pride and Latino Heritage. The team’s inaugural season is already underway as the newest members of the National Women’s Soccer League, which The Guardian recently dubbed “the world’s most innovative league.” With home games costing as low as $13 at San Jose’s PayPal Park (a fun venue with the world’s largest outdoor bar), there’s no excuse for missing out on any summer kicks. Tickets here.
Stockton Ports
Not for meant for the casual bandwagoner, this sports excursion will require a day trip to Stockton. But, as the A’s official single-A affiliate, who have shown nothing but support to fans amid MLB’s failure to keep the green-and-gold in town, our neighboring franchise deserves some love. For years, the Ports have been overlooked as an out-of-market afterthought: Why watch minor leaguers when you have major leaguers nearby? Well, that reality has shifted: Why continue supporting a vapid owner when you have a friendly alternative nearby? Earlier this season, when Oakland sports fans held their own Fan Fest, the Ports became official sponsors and provided donations to help make it happen. If that’s not the definition of being 10 toes down, I’m not sure what is. Tickets here.
Oakland Roots
Perhaps the most socially conscious squad in all of professional U.S. sports, the Roots have put the community first since their 2018 formation in the Town. Whether it’s collaborating with local artists and small businesses or cultivating a development team known as Project 510, the crowdfunded club (which includes Jason Kidd, Marshawn Lynch, G Eazy and Billie Joe Armstrong as well as everyday Bay Area sports fans as part-owners) have been all in on hometown pride. You’re just as likely to see one of your favorite rappers performing at halftime, or casually attending a game on AAPI Heritage or Town Biz Night. Meanwhile CSU East Bay’s Pioneer Stadium is gorgeous, providing sweeping views of the Bay Area as an extra benefit to whatever’s going on between the sidelines. Tickets here.
Oakland Soul
Not to be outdone, the Soul are the amateur women’s branch of the Roots — with a growing buzz and fanbase of their own. Their funky, retro-inspired uniforms are worth snagging from Oaklandish. Currently, the team plays in the United Soccer League Network, with home games hosted at Merritt College, and will play one double header with the Roots at CSUEB. Unlike Bay FC, the Soul play in the USL W, a second-division women’s league one tier beneath the NWSL — in other words, the two leading women’s soccer teams of the region aren’t directly in competition with one another, so you can guiltlessly cheer on both at once. In 2025, the Soul (along with the Roots) will be housed at the Oakland Coliseum. Tickets here.
Copa América
This isn’t a team, per se — it’s a global phenomenon. Every four years, the biggest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere takes place in rotating host nations throughout the Americas. This year, the United States has been selected as the home of the famed cup — and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara has been deemed a national site for two games. With teams playing in cities across the country, Bay Area fans will be gifted with rare appearances from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela for the oldest soccer tournament in the world (yes, older than the World Cup itself). Tickets here.
Bay Area Falcons and Oakland Spiders
If the venerable spring-and-summer sports of baseball and soccer aren’t your jam, or you’re looking for a new spin on sunny weather outings, check out the Falcons (women’s and non-binary) and Spiders (men’s) professional ultimate frisbee teams. Both squads compete at East Oakland’s Fremont High School for home games. The Spiders — two-time national champs, currently led by rookie frisbeer, Raekwon Adkins — have also graciously provided an ultimate frisbee explainer video for the uninitiated. Admittedly, I’ve never attended a pro frisbee game, but with my favorite summertime team — formerly known as the Oakland Athletics — about to vacate the area, I’ll certainly be looking elsewhere to provide my loyal fandom. Tickets here (Falcons) and here (Spiders).
