It’s been a promising start to the Oakland Roots’ season, which began with back-to-back wins for the first time in team history. Or as the team’s new co-owner, and home opener halftime performer, E-40 would say, “You a loser? Nope! Winner? Yup!”

Here’s your Oakland sports fan’s update on how the Town’s teams are doing so far and what events are coming up for Oakland sports fans in April.

⚽ Oakland Roots
Oakland Roots defender Mark Fisher battles for the ball in the home season opener at the Oakland Coliseum, March 14, 2026. Credit: Courtesy of the Roots

The Oakland Roots kicked off their soccer season on March 7 with a close 1-0 win at Monterey Bay FC, controlling possession but going scoreless until Mark Fisher’s goal in the 85th minute. A newly added defender, Fisher followed up that goal with a pass to set up the first goal in the Roots’ home opener on March 14. The Roots beat New Mexico United 2-1 that evening, with E-40 in the Coliseum to cheer them on. The second goal was scored by last year’s Golden Boot winner, Peter Wilson. 

The Roots kept that same energy going into their next game on March 21 against Phoenix Rising FC, going up 2-0 before allowing two late goals, including one in extra time, that evened the score at 2-2 for a draw. Last Saturday’s “Kids Night Out” featured an earlier start time so families and kids could enjoy the game at the Coliseum against Orange County SC. The 0-1 loss on March 28 ended up being their first defeat of the season. 

After starting the season with two wins, the Roots are now 2-1-1 (wins-losses-draws) and in fourth place out of 12 teams in the Western Conference standings of the USL Championship League.

🥏 Bay Area Falcons

The Bay Area Falcons, Oakland’s professional women’s and non-binary ultimate frisbee team, had a disappointing 14-22 loss in their season opener in San Diego against reigning champions Super Bloom on March 14, but rebounded in their second game of the season at the Los Angeles Astra, where they prevailed 15-12. Two weeks later, they enjoyed some home cooking with a 24-13 defeat of the Arizona Sidewinders in their home opener at Fremont High on March 28. The Falcons are currently second out of four teams in the Southern Conference standings for the Western Ultimate League.

🏈 Golden State Storm

The Golden State Storm, Oakland’s newest and only tackle football team kicked off the franchise’s first ever season on March 28 against the San Diego Rebellion. The start of the new sports franchise in the Women’s National Football Conference was plenty of reason to celebrate at Laney Field, but on the gridiron the game was less remarkable as the Storm lost 0-36. That puts the team in a tie for last place, with five more games to go. 

Meanwhile, the Storm’s 5 on 5 flag football team played in the Sin City Bowl in Las Vegas, March 20 to 22, where they made it to the quarterfinals in their division, with a record of 2-2 in the tournament.

⚾ Oakland Ballers ‘Battle of the Bay 2.1’
Joe Horton, 41, waves a Ballers flag during a parade celebrating the Oakland Ballers championship near Raimondi Park in Oakland on Oct. 5, 2025. Credit: Estefany Gonzalez for The Oaklandside

For a second year in a row, the Ballers, the reigning Pioneer League champions, will play their Bay Area rivals, the San Jose Giants, in what they are calling “Battle of the Bay 2.1.” The Giants, the Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, are the reigning champions in the California League. That makes winning this champion versus champion matchup in San Jose worth a lot of bragging rights, and the snark has already begun. “The San Jose Giants won their league last year. So did we. Our record was better, not that we’re counting,” said Ballers co-founder Bryan Carmel.The Oakland 68s’ fan bus from Raimondi Park to San Jose is already sold out but you can join the waitlist. The game will also be broadcast on CBS Bay Area.
Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m., Excite Ballpark, 588 E Alma Ave., San Jose, tickets from $18. 

🏀 NCAA Women’s Championship ‘People’s Watch Party’

The People’s Watch Party is organizing events for the community of women’s sports fans to enjoy the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four. Everyone who attends will be entered into a raffle with prizes, including Golden State Valkyries gear, given out during game stoppages. Admission is free, although seating in the restaurant is limited.
Semifinals watch party, Friday, April 3, 4 p.m.; finals watch party, Sunday, April 5, 12:30 p.m., Xingones Restaurant, 190 4th St., Oakland.

🏈 Golden State Storm vs. Las Vegas Silver Stars

The Golden State Storm plays their second game of the season, hoping to rebound from their opening loss and build on the vibes from their inaugural game. The Storm play on the home field that Coach John Beam made legendary at Laney College.
Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m., Laney Field, 900 Fallon St., Oakland, tickets from $27.62. 

⚾ Join the Ballers to ‘Plant, Paint, and Pick Up with Pups’

The Oakland Ballers are offering free game tickets to registered “ballunteers” who show up to help Keep Oakland Beautiful by transforming East 12th Street in the San Antonio neighborhood with murals and greenery. Volunteers will enjoy a free taco truck lunch, plus children’s activities such as face painting and bouncy castle. 
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m., LoveOak Building, 1734 E. 12th St., Oakland; register online.

🏒 Oakland Skates open skrimmage

The Oakland Skates are assembling their team for their first ever season in the semi-pro Mountain Hockey League. While the season doesn’t start until October, you can watch players battle for a spot on the roster in an open scrimmage at the Oakland Ice Center, followed by an after party at Line 51 Brewing.
Saturday, April 18, 5 p.m., Oakland Ice Center, 519 18th St., Oakland, tickets free with RSVP.

⚽ Oakland Roots ‘Rooted & Rising Women’s Empowerment Night’ vs. FC Tulsa
Fans at the Oakland Roots opening game of the 2025 season against San Antonio FC at the Oakland Coliseum on March 22, 2025. Credit: Florence Middleton for the Oaklandside

The Roots return home with new midfielder Tommy McCabe leading the league in passes to face sixth place Tulsa FC. Fans at the game will also get to see the Roots honor female changemakers driving impact across sports.
Saturday, April 18, 7 p.m., Oakland Coliseum, 7000 S. Coliseum Way, Oakland, tickets from $24. 

🥏 Bay Area Falcons ‘Org Night’ vs. San Diego Super Bloom

For their second home game of the season, the Falcons will be seeking revenge for a loss in their season opener against the San Diego Super Bloom at Fremont High School. “Org Night” (though it takes place at noon) offers discount tickets for groups, teams and organizations. Children under 14 get in free, and the first 100 attendees get a special door prize.
Sunday, April 19, 12 p.m., Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, tickets from $10.

⚾ ’Ballunteer’ on Earth Day at the Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Ballers are offering free game tickets to registered “ballunteers” who show up at the Oakland Zoo’s Arroyo Viejo Creek this Earth Day to work a variety of outdoor activities from weeding to mulching to picking up trash. This popular volunteer activity is almost sold out so sign up soon.
Wednesday, April 22, register online for the morning or afternoon shifts (AM Shift at 8:45 a.m. and PM shift at 12:45 p.m.), Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland.

⚽ Oakland Roots “Earth Day Celebration” vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

On Earth Day, take transit or ride a bike to the Oakland Roots match against the ninth place Las Vegas Lights, and celebrate Keep Oakland Beautiful and others helping to promote community and sustainability in the Town. Tickets are on sale, and the game will also be available to watch on ESPN+.
Wednesday, April 22, 7 p.m., Oakland Coliseum, 7000 S Coliseum Way, Oakland, tickets from $24. 

⚽ Oakland Roots at Monterey Bay FC

The Roots are traveling back to the place where their season began, looking to defeat Monterey Bay FC for a second time. This time, the match also counts as part of the USL Cup, an interleague midseason tournament with all 43 teams in the USL Championship and League One. Tickets are on sale if you can make the trip south to Seaside, and the game will also be available to watch on ESPN+.
Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m., Cardinale Stadium, 4111 2nd Ave., Seaside, tickets from $22. 

🥏 Oakland Spiders season opener vs. Oregon Steel
Ultimate players on the Oakland Spiders play a scrimmage game on the Oakland Technical High School football field in Oakland in April 2023. Credit: Amir Aziz/The Oaklandside

Oakland’s men’s ultimate frisbee team, the Spiders, will open their season at home against the Steel. Children under 12 get in free. Fans can expect food trucks, a kid zone, music, and more to kick off the season. 
Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m., Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, tickets from $9. 

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