Here's a rundown of all the sports teams that call the Bay Area home
Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul are both community-driven and superbly talented. Photo courtesy of Oakland Roots.
The Bay Area is a dream destination for sports fans. Whether you're into baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey or football, there are countless opportunities to sit on the edge of your seat and watch the drama and excitement unfold. Plus, many of the Bay Area's venues are BARTable, making it easy to witness the action firsthand. Here's a roundup of our favorite local sports teams near BART. Grab your Clipper card and take BART to the game.
Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Baseball in the Bay Area
The Oakland Ballers' inaugural season in 2024 introduced the community-driven baseball team to the Pioneer Baseball League, a historic independent league that has existed since 1939. They dominated the second half of their first season and clinched a playoff spot, with help from Kelsie Whitmore, the first woman to sign a professional contract with an MLB partner league team.
The Oakland Ballers' next 96-game season kicks off on May 20, 2025, with an exciting home opener against the Ogden Raptors. This spring, catch a home game at the historic Raimondi Park. After a $1.6 million renovation, this unplayable little league field is now a 4,100-seat baseball gem. You can find it 0.8 miles from West Oakland.
Across the Bay, cheer on the San Francisco Giants. Their season begins in March and promises plenty of action in one of the most scenic ballparks in the country. Oracle Park is a 20-minute walk from Embarcadero or Montgomery St stations, although the former offers better views of the city's waterfront.
Support the Oakland Roots this spring in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Soccer in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is lucky to be home to several professional soccer teams. The Oakland Roots Sports Club competes in the USL Championship (the second tier of U.S. professional soccer). They debuted in 2019 and instantly became part of the East Bay community. Their dedication to Oakland is evident in their on-field performances and mission-driven initiatives where they use the sport as a force for social good. In 2025, the team's home games will be played at the Oakland Coliseum, just 0.2 miles from Coliseum Station.
Adding to soccer in The Town is Oakland Soul, a women's team competing in the USL W League. In their inaugural 2023 season, they finished first in the NorCal Division and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. The team reached the playoffs again in 2024. Like the Oakland Roots, Oakland Soul uses sport as a catalyst for positive change through community engagement. The women's team will also play home games at the Oakland Coliseum in 2025.
A bit further south, the San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer bring a strong history and an exciting future to the Bay. After a disappointing 2024 season, Bruce Arena, newly appointed Sporting Director and Head Coach, will lead the rebuilding.
On the women's side in San Jose, Bay City FC competes in the National Women's Soccer League. In their inaugural season, they saw a sold-out crowd at their season opener (18,000 spectators), 11 total wins and a well-deserved playoff spot. Both the Earthquakes and Bay City FC play at PayPal Park. To get to the action, exit BART at Milpitas Station and hop on the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) 60 bus line.
Support the Bay Area's new addition, the Golden State Valkyries. Photo courtesy of Golden State Valkyries.
Basketball in the Bay Area
The most exciting basketball news in the Bay Area is surely the addition of a WNBA team, the Golden State Valkyries. Set to debut in 2025, the talented roster of top-notch talent is a real treat for basketball lovers. During the WNBA Expansion Draft in December 2024, management selected one player from each of the 12 current WNBA teams. They'll continue to build their roster through the WNBA Free Agency in early 2025. The Valkyries are set to play at the Chase Center, just like the Golden State Warriors, who will continue to entertain fans with a roster full of superstars and a deep bench.
The Warriors are coming off an exciting 2024 season and are poised to chase another title. To reach the Chase Center, take BART to Powell St or 16th St Mission and transfer to Muni. Your event ticket is your Muni ticket. For more information, visit the Chase Center website.
More good news for basketball fans — the 74th NBA All-Star Event will be in the Bay Area this February. Events will take place throughout the weekend, including the All-Star Practice at Oakland Arena on Feb. 15 and the main event —the All-Star Game on Feb. 16 at the Chase Center.
The Chase Center will also host the NCAA Men's March Madness West Regionals Tournament from March 27 to 29. The winning team will advance to the Final Four.
The San Jose Sharks support the Oakland Ice Center. Photo courtesy of NHL.
Hockey in the Bay Area
The San Jose Sharks in the NHL have a devoted fan base, and no wonder why. Beyond their home games at the "Shark Tank" in San Jose, the team contributes to the community with initiatives like the Oakland Ice Center. This facility offers public skating, hockey programs, figure skating opportunities, a pro shop and more, making ice sports accessible to fans of all ages in the East Bay.
To watch the Sharks play at the SAP Center, take BART to Berryessa/North San Jose and, transfer to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) 500 Rapid bus. Ride it to the end of the line (San Jose Diridon Station). The SAP Center is a 3-minute walk away from Santa Clara Street. To visit the Oakland Ice Center, take BART to 19th St/Oakland and and head 0.2 miles to the ice.
Football in the Bay Area
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most famous sports franchises in the Bay Area. However, they posted a disappointing 6-11 record last year and finished last in the NFC West. The good news, though, is that the team is positioned for a potential comeback in 2025. They have the 11th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, historically resulting in impactful players. The team plays at Levi's Stadium. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) connects with BART at the Milpitas station. Visit the Levi's Stadium website for more information.
For more football excitement, check out the Bay Area Panthers. The professional indoor football team based in San Jose competes in the Indoor Football League and is known for their very fast-paced and high-energy performances. With a few additional recent signings, like defensive lineman Morris Joseph Jr. and wide receiver Tosin Oyekanmi, the Panthers are looking good for their upcoming season starting March 30.
What is your BARTable Sports Team?
Share with us on social media at @SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.
by Nicole Findlay
More BARTable
Trending
We partner with all kinds of organizations. See our guidelines:
