Bay Area Roots

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Oakland’s soccer history dates back to the late 19th century, with early activity in Northern California spurred by amateur clubs and the formation of the California State Football Association in 1902. Professional soccer arrived in Oakland in 1967 with the Oakland Clippers of the National Professional Soccer League, who won the 1967 championship before joining the North American Soccer League. The Oakland Buccaneers began play in the 1976 season as an expansion franchise for the American Soccer League (ASL) but folded following the season due to financial issues. The Oakland Stompers followed to play in the North American Soccer League (NASL) 1978 season, but relocated to Edmonton the following year. Oakland Roots SC was founded by Edreece Arghandiwal and Benno Nagel, two Oakland natives. The idea for the club emerged from conversations at a Bay Area Afghan-American community soccer tournament. The formation was announced in July 2018, and the name Oakland Roots was revealed that October. The club opened the inaugural 2019–20 NISA season as the league's first game, at home in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 4,500. On September 15, 2020, the team announced they would be moving from NISA to the USL Championship. In April 2021, Marshawn Lynch joined the Roots ownership group. On September 18, 2023, the team announced that Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong had joined the ownership group. On October 26, 2023, the team announced that NBA head coach and Bay Area native Jason Kidd had joined the ownership group.

In Their Own Story

The transition from Oakland back to San Francisco was a historic homecoming. When Chase Center opened for the 2019–20 season, it brought the Warriors' primary operations back to San Francisco after nearly fifty years in Oakland. Fans who remembered the electric atmosphere of Oakland Arena now experienced a new era while honoring past glories. The narrative of the team evolved from a regional powerhouse to a global brand that still deeply resonates with local supporters. Games at Chase Center blend modern luxury with nods to the franchise's rich history, including tributes to the 1975 title team and the championships won in Oakland. This duality—embracing innovation while respecting tradition—defines the Warriors' current identity.

Reader's Guide

The club plays its home matches at the Oakland Coliseum. The club's first head coach was Paul Bravo, announced on May 9, 2019. Subsequent head coaches include Jordan Ferrell (announced December 3, 2019) and Juan Guerra (announced December 30, 2021). The club's training facility is the former Oakland Raiders practice facility in Alameda, California, leased on December 21, 2021.

Did You Know?

• Oakland Roots SC was founded in 2018 by Edreece Arghandiwal and Benno Nagel.
• The club began play in the 2019–20 season in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
• Oakland Roots moved to the USL Championship in 2021.
• The club primarily plays its home matches at Pioneer Stadium and occasionally at the Oakland Coliseum.
• Marshawn Lynch joined the Roots ownership group in April 2021.