{"id":303693,"date":"2026-05-07T03:23:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T03:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/303693\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T03:23:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T03:23:15","slug":"20-oakland-sports-events-to-catch-in-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/303693\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Oakland sports events to catch in May"},"content":{"rendered":"

It often feels like Oakland is crawling with sports fans, but on March 31 they were even crawling the buildings. Mayor Barbara Lee, singer Goapele and team mascot Violet were on hand as the acrobatic dancers of Bandaloop<\/a> scaled City Hall to launch the Golden State Valkyries\u2019 new violet jerseys.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the Valkyries are preparing at their downtown Oakland practice facility for their first game on May 8 at the Seattle Storm, other Oakland sports seasons are already in full swing. Here\u2019s your update on what happened last month in the Town\u2019s sports, and what to look forward to in May.<\/p>\n

\"\"Oakland dance troup Bandaloop launch the Golden State Valkyries new violet uniform while suspended from Oakland City Hall, March 31, 2026. Credit: Golden State Valkyries<\/p>\n

Oakland teams update<\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Roots<\/p>\n

The Oakland Roots<\/a> are off to the best start in team history, with a record of 3-1-4 (wins-losses-ties). They are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference of the USL Championship League<\/a>, which puts them in playoff position.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On April 11, Oakland traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida, and managed to battle the first place Tampa Bay Rowdies to a 2-2 draw.\u00a0 They returned home for a match against FC Tulsa on April 18, where the unmatched vibes of the Coliseum helped them jump out to a lead on a goal in the fourth minute by Wolfgang Prentice. Alas, Tulsa evened the score and the Roots ended up with a 1-1 draw. Just four nights later, the Roots were back at it in a home game on Earth Day, April 22. If he was tired out, 2026 Golden Boot winner Peter Wilson did not show it, scoring a hat trick of three goals in a 4-2 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC. Three days later, the Roots were in Seaside for a match against Monterey Bay FC, where they scored first but ended up with\u00a0 a 1-1 draw in regulation. Because it was a USL Cup<\/a> match, the game went straight to penalty kicks, where the Roots fell 3-4.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last Saturday, the Roots headed to Loudon United FC in Virginia, which coach Ryan Martin and players Keegan Tingey, Tommy McCabe, and Florian Valot called home last season. The memories were rosier than the gameplay for most of the match, but the team salvaged a 2-2 draw with yet another goal by Wilson in extra time.<\/p>\n

So far this season, Wilson and Prentice are both in the Top 10 in league goals, with Prentice also second in the league in assists and McCabe leading the league in passes.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Oakland Roots\u2019 2026 Golden Boot winner Peter Wilson celebrates a goal against the Las Vegas Lights on April 22, 2026, at home at the Oakland Coliseum. Credit: Oakland Roots FC<\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers <\/p>\n

Although their Opening Day roster was far from finalized, the Ballers played an exhibition game on March 31 against the San Jose Giants, champions of the Class A California League. It did not go well<\/a>. Despite that 13-1 loss, the Ballers start their season on May 19 ready to defend their title led by a new team president, former San Francisco Giants executive Yeshayah Goldfarb<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc8 Golden State Storm<\/p>\n

The Golden State Storm<\/a> continued their inaugural tackle football season<\/a> after an opening 0-36 loss to the San Diego Rebellion, clawing their way to a winning record of three wins and two losses, with one game to go. The Storm are currently third in the Pacific Division. Their first win came against the Las Vegas Stars by a score of 31-2 on April 4 at home, followed by a close win in Seattle against the Majestics (23-18) on April 11 and another loss to the Rebellion in San Diego (0-17) on April 25.<\/p>\n

Last Saturday, the team set a Women\u2019s National Football Conference attendance record when fans poured into Laney College to watch the Storm defeat the Oregon Ravens by a score of 14-8. The three largest crowds in league history were at the Storm\u2019s three home games this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cOakland has always been a football town, but the record-breaking crowds at Laney Field this year prove it is now a women\u2019s football town,\u201d Jake Langner, the team\u2019s co-owner, told The Oaklandside. Their final game of the season, against the Los Angeles Legends in Long Beach on May 16, will be a critical one: a win would send the Storm to the playoffs. \u201cTo clinch a playoff spot in our very first season would be more than just a win,\u201d Langer said. \u201cIt would be a definitive statement that the Storm is here to stay and that the Bay Area is the new epicenter of the sport.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee does the coin toss to open the matchup between the Golden State Storm and the Oregon Ravens on May 2, 2026, at Laney College. Credit: Golden State Storm<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd4f Bay Area Falcons<\/p>\n

The Bay Area Falcons<\/a> are currently second out of four ultimate frisbee teams in the Southern Conference standings for the Western Ultimate League<\/a> and riding high on a four-game winning streak since their only loss in their season opener at the San Diego Super Bloom. The Falcons beat the Bloom 18-15 in a rematch in Oakland on April 19, then traveled to play the Colorado Alpenglow on April 25, winning 16-13. Alex Barnett, who joined the Falcons in the offseason<\/a>, leads the team in goals and assists.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd4f Oakland Spiders<\/p>\n

\"\"The Oakland Spiders play a scrimmage at the Oakland Technical High School football field on April 17, 2023. Credit: Amir Aziz\/The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

The Oakland Spiders<\/a> are only two games into their season, but so far so good. The undefeated team are in first place in the Ultimate Frisbee Association<\/a> after beating the Oregon Steel 34-11 in their opener on April 26 and taking down the Salt Lake Shred 25-15 on May 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oakland sports calendar<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd4f Bay Area Falcons \u2018Women\u2019s Empowerment Night\u2019 vs. Los Angeles Astra<\/p>\n

The first place Falcons are riding high heading into their home game against the fourth place Astra. The women-themed match includes a special door prize and a Rising Stars Showcase Game. Children under 14 get in free.
Saturday, May 9, 6 p.m., Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, tickets from $10\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Roots \u2018AAPI Night\u2019 vs. El Paso Locomotive FC<\/p>\n

Off to the best start in team history, the fourth place Roots return home to take on the third place Locomotive. They\u2019ll celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a halftime show by Oakland rapper Seiji Oda<\/a>.\u00a0
Saturday, May 9, 7 p.m., Oakland Coliseum, 7000 S. Coliseum Way, Oakland, tickets from $24<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Soul season opener vs. Marin FC Sirens<\/p>\n

The Oakland Soul kick off their season on Mother\u2019s Day with a match against rival Marin FC. To help you celebrate, the Soul are offering Mother\u2019s Day Special tickets<\/a> that come with a flower and a drink of her choice.\u00a0
Sunday, May 10, 3 p.m., Merritt College, 12500 Campus Dr., Oakland, tickets from $26<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83d\udefc WFTDA North America playoffs<\/p>\n

In a rare opportunity to see some of the best roller derby players in the world all in one place, the Oakland-based Bay Area Derby is hosting the Women\u2019s Flat Track Derby Association regional playoffs. Thirteen teams from the Western U.S. and Mexico \u2013 including the Rat City Rollers (Seattle), the Axles of Annihilation (Portland) and the Mile High Club (Denver, of course) \u2013 will compete in 16 games over three days for a chance to compete in the world championships in Sweden.\u00a0
Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plz., Richmond, tickets from $39.19<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Roots \u2018Hometown Heroes\u2019 night vs. Sacramento Republic FC<\/p>\n

The Roots are looking for a win in a USL Cup<\/a> match against the team currently in first place in their group. The matchup will celebrate first responders, teachers, nurses, local businesses and community leaders.\u00a0
Saturday, May 16, 5 p.m., Oakland Coliseum, 7000 S. Coliseum Way, Oakland, tickets from $24<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd4f Oakland Spiders vs. San Diego Growlers<\/p>\n

In their third home game of the season, the Oakland Spiders<\/a> will take on the San Diego Growlers. Children under 13 get in free.
Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m., Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, tickets from $24<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Oakland Spiders fans watch in excitement as a poorly-thrown frisbee floats into the stands at a scrimmage on the Oakland Tech football field, April 17, 2023. Credit: Amir Aziz\/The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers Season Opener vs. Missoula Paddleheads<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Opening Day for the reigning Pioneer League champions<\/a>, the Oakland Ballers, who take on the Missoula Paddleheads in the first game of their homestand.
Tuesday, May 19, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers \u2018Ring Night\u2019 vs. Missoula Paddleheads<\/p>\n

The second game of the Ballers season features their championship ring ceremony and a giveaway that the team describes as \u201cextra gold.\u201d
Wednesday, May 20, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers \u2018Too $hort Night\u2019 vs. Missoula Paddleheads<\/p>\n

The Ballers complete their series with the Paddleheads on the team\u2019s first Thirsty Thursday of the season, with a \u201c510 Happy Hour\u201d of $5 beers and $10 wine and cocktails from when the gates open until the game starts. A Too $hort bobblehead giveaway to the first 750 fans is another incentive to get there early.
Thursday, May 21, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

Long Beach Coast comes to town for the weekend series, which starts Friday with \u201cUnauthorized Bash Brothers Night,\u201d an unofficial celebration of the Oakland A\u2019s 1980s homerun hitting duo of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.
Friday, May 22, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc0 Golden State Valkyries vs. Indiana Fever \u2018People\u2019s Watch Party\u2019<\/p>\n

The People\u2019s Watch Party<\/a> is bringing their community of women\u2019s sports fans back to Jack London Square to watch the Valkyries\u2019 away game against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Everyone who attends will be entered into a raffle for prizes that will be given out during game stoppages.
Friday, May 22, 4 p.m. (tipoff at 4:40 p.m.), Xingones Restaurant, 190 4th St., Oakland, free admission<\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

\"\"Fans at the Oakland Ballers opening game at Raimondi Park in Oakland on June 4, 2024. The Ballers went onto win the league championship. Credit: Amaya Edwards for The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

The Ballers are hosting \u201cBlock Party Saturdays\u201d this season, when the park opens early for live music shows two hours before the game. They are kicking off the first one with an album release party for 10-year-old Vallejo phenom Big Ave<\/a>.
Saturday, May 23, 4:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

For families bringing their kids to the Ballers\u2019 first day game of the season, the team is continuing its Pixar Animation<\/a> partnership with a \u201cToy Story 5\u201d theme in advance of the movie\u2019s June release. Kids will have the opportunity to run the bases, get a signed team photo, and earn gift cards to Bay Play<\/a>.\u00a0
Sunday, May 24, 1:05 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Soul vs. California Storm<\/p>\n

For their second home game, the Soul host the California Storm from Davis.
Sunday, May 24, 3 p.m., Merritt College, 12500 Campus Dr., Oakland, tickets from $26<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Oakland Soul player Samantha Tran jogs on the field at her team\u2019s practice facility, May 20, 2023. Credit: Oakland Soul FC<\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

The Long Beach Coast extend their stay in Oakland with \u201cScrubs and Scrappy\u201d night to show appreciation for nurses.
Tuesday, May 26, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

In a rare weekday day game, the Ballers continue their series against the Coast on OUSD Field Trip Day.
Wednesday, May 27, 1:05 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St, Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers vs. Long Beach Coast<\/p>\n

The Ballers close out their series with the Coast on Thirsty Thursday with pregame drink specials and a \u201cBallers Save the Earth (No Big Deal)\u201d theme.
Thursday, May 28, 6:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St., Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"A hotdog seller at the Oakland Ballers first opening game at Raimondi Park in Oakland. Credit: Amaya Edwards for The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd4f Oakland Spiders vs. San Diego Growlers and Bay Area Falcons vs. Oregon Soar<\/p>\n

In the first game of a doubleheader, the Oakland Spiders<\/a> take on the San Diego Growlers. Then their sibling squad, the first place Bay Area Falcons<\/a>, play the Oregon Soar in their final game of the regular season.
Saturday, May 30, 3 and 6 p.m., Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, tickets from $30<\/a> (includes both games)<\/p>\n

\u26be Oakland Ballers \u2018Pride Night\u2019 vs. RedPocket Mobiles<\/p>\n

A weekend series against the RedPocket Mobiles starts with the Ballers celebrating LGBTQ+ pride.
Saturday, May 30, 4:35 p.m., Raimondi Park, 1689 20th St, Oakland, tickets from $17.12<\/a><\/p>\n

\u26bd Oakland Roots vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC<\/p>\n

The Roots host the 2024 USL League Champions as they continue their quest to make the postseason.
Saturday, May 30, 5 p.m., Oakland Coliseum, 7000 S. Coliseum Way, Oakland, tickets from $24<\/a><\/p>\n

“*” indicates required fields<\/p>\n

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