In a significant move for cricket in the United States, Oakland Coliseum—formerly home to the Oakland Athletics—will host nine Major League Cricket (MLC) matches during the 2025 season. This historic venue will become MLC’s third stadium, following Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and Broward County Stadium in Florida, where the league’s first two seasons were played.
A New Era for Oakland Coliseum
The Coliseum, which has hosted baseball and American football since 1966, will undergo modifications to accommodate cricket. Planned changes include reducing the stadium’s capacity to 12,000 and installing drop-in pitches to meet international cricket standards.
The Oakland Athletics departed the Coliseum at the end of the 2023 MLB season, as the franchise plans to relocate to Las Vegas. This transition has opened the door for cricket to make its mark on the West Coast, with the Coliseum becoming the first venue in the region to host top-tier cricket matches.
San Francisco Unicorns to Call Coliseum Home
The San Francisco Unicorns, 2024 MLC runners-up, will play three home games at the Coliseum. David White, the Unicorns’ CEO, highlighted the importance of bringing cricket to the region:
“The Bay Area has a deep and growing love for cricket. This move allows us to create an unforgettable match-day experience in one of the region’s most iconic venues.”
The 2025 MLC season will kick off at the Coliseum on June 12, featuring a rematch of last season’s final between the Unicorns and Washington Freedom, coached by Ricky Ponting.
Economic and Cultural Impact
According to MLC, the Coliseum will provide a $3 million (USD) direct economic boost to Oakland during the 2025 season. Johnny Grave, MLC’s newly appointed chief executive, emphasized the significance of bringing cricket to the West Coast:
“The Coliseum is a fantastic location for Major League Cricket, and we are thrilled by the prospect of some of the world’s biggest cricket stars playing in such an iconic Californian venue. This move reinforces our commitment to growing the game in the United States and providing fans with an exceptional cricket experience.”
MLC’s Growing Global Appeal
MLC’s popularity continues to rise, attracting international cricket stars such as Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, and Heinrich Klaasen, all of whom have been retained by their franchises. However, Pat Cummins will miss the 2025 season due to Australia’s Test tour of the West Indies.
To avoid scheduling conflicts with The Hundred, MLC has planned its 2025 final for July 12, allowing players to participate in both tournaments.
Future Expansion Plans
MLC is set to expand in the coming years, with potential new venues being considered in Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Toronto. This expansion aligns with MLC’s goal of growing cricket’s footprint across North America.
With the addition of the Oakland Coliseum, Major League Cricket is set to deliver an unprecedented cricket experience to West Coast fans, marking a new chapter in the sport’s growth across the United States.
