Major League Cricket to host matches in Oakland Coliseum as cricket grows in USA
The Oakland Coliseum is set to make history in 2025 as it welcomes Major League Cricket (MLC), becoming the latest venue in the U.S. to embrace the growing sport. The stadium will host nine matches, starting with the season opener on June 12, and will serve as the long-awaited home ground for the San Francisco Unicorns.
The historic venue, once home to Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics and the NFL's Oakland Raiders, will undergo modifications to accommodate cricket. Plans include installing drop-in pitches and reducing seating capacity to 12,000.
Cricket's expansion in the U.S.
Since its launch in 2023, MLC has steadily expanded, with matches previously held in Texas and Florida. The addition of the Oakland Coliseum is another step in the league's growth.
'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,' said MLC chief executive Johnny Grave.
MLC's third season will see six teams—San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, and Washington D.C.—compete in a month-long tournament. The league's T20 format, lasting approximately 3.5 hours, is designed to appeal to American sports audiences.
Growing cricket culture in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is home to the second-largest cricket fan base in the U.S., with many fans of South Asian descent. Local cricket enthusiast Omer Chaudhary, who grew up playing in Pakistan, expressed excitement about having professional cricket close to home.
'It used to be hard to watch cricket in the U.S. Now, we can go see a match at the Coliseum,' said Chaudhary, wearing a Pakistan team jersey. 'With Bay Area teams leaving or struggling, this is a refreshing addition to the sports scene.'
MLC's arrival follows the Oakland Roots football club, which recently played its first match at the Coliseum. With cricket and football now part of the venue's legacy, the stadium becomes the first in North America to host two of the world's most popular sports.
Short-Term Deal, Long-Term Hopes
MLC has signed a one-year contract with Oakland due to uncertainty surrounding the stadium's future. However, the deal is expected to generate $3 million in revenue for a city facing financial challenges.
Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins highlighted the importance of the Coliseum's revenue streams, saying, 'These past few years, the Coliseum and arena have done very well, allowing us to reinvest in public services.'
Looking ahead, MLC aims to build momentum leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will return to the Games. With top players earning upwards of $80,000 for the season, the league hopes to establish itself as a major force in American sports.
MLC's season begins on June 12, with tickets going on sale Thursday.
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