Oakland Roots to Host 2025 Home Games at Coliseum

The Oakland Roots soccer team has officially announced that they will host their home games at the Oakland Coliseum for the 2025 season. This decision comes as part of a broader plan to construct an interim stadium on the Coliseum complex grounds, which will also serve the Oakland Soul women's soccer team. The agreement follows a resolution approved by the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority in March, allowing a licensing agreement between the stadium and Oakland Pro Soccer, the parent organization of both teams. Since 2019, the Roots have played their home games at Laney College, but the move to the Coliseum marks a significant shift in their operations. The Coliseum complex, which includes the stadium and the Oakland Arena, is currently undergoing a transfer of ownership to the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, following its purchase from the Oakland Athletics and the City of Oakland. The Athletics have announced plans to relocate to Sutter Health Field in West Sacramento while a new ballpark is being constructed in Las Vegas. In addition to the Coliseum agreement, the Roots are progressing on plans for a 10,000-seat interim stadium at the Coliseum's Malibu Lot, expected to be operational by 2026. Until then, the Oakland Soul will continue to play at Merritt College. Co-owner Marshawn Lynch expressed pride in the team's connection to the Coliseum, emphasizing its cultural significance to Oakland, while fellow co-owner Jason Kidd reflected on the special memories associated with the venue.