Bay FC Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

Who founded Bay FC?

Four former United States women's national team players — Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton and Leslie Osborne — established the club in April 2023 with backing from the investment firm Sixth Street.

Chastain's penalty in the 1999 World Cup final is among the most recognizable images in American sport, and the founders' profile was central to the club's launch and to its standing in the Bay Area.

How did Bay FC do in its first season?

Better than most expansion sides.

Bay FC finished seventh in the 2024 NWSL regular season and qualified for the playoffs in its debut year, losing 2-1 to the Washington Spirit in the quarter-finals. Reaching the postseason immediately is uncommon for a new club in a league with no shortage of established sides.

Where does Bay FC play?

PayPal Park in San Jose, the soccer-specific ground it shares with the Earthquakes.

The stadium seats around 18,000, which suits a club still building its support, and its downtown-adjacent location makes it reachable from across the South Bay. The shared tenancy also links the two clubs' matchday operations.

Why did the NWSL expand to the Bay Area?

The region has one of the deepest youth soccer pipelines in the country and a long history with the women's game — several members of the 1999 World Cup-winning side came out of Northern California, including two of Bay FC's founders.

The league's expansion fees and franchise valuations rose sharply in the 2020s, and the Bay Area was among the most sought-after remaining markets.

Bay FC Records, Titles & Milestones

Do the Bay FC retire jersey numbers?

Bay FC has retired no numbers. The club is in its first seasons and has no honors list yet.

Ring of Honor (4 members)