Originally published for Marin Living Magazine.
From left: Co-founders Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Aly Wagner and Danielle Slaton (Photo courtesy of Bay FC)
It was announced earlier this year that the Bay Area will be getting its own team in the National Women’s Soccer League — Bay FC — and if you haven’t heard of it yet, come out from under the rock you’re under Bay FC is already making a name for itself, months before the team even starts kicking. “It’s hard to go to a sports park in the Bay Area right now and not see someone in Bay FC gear or see the sticker on the cars,” says Brady Stewart, the CEO of Bay FC, who came to the team after a long career in the brand industry, including a 14-year run at Levi Strauss & Co. Her switch to sports is all rooted in Bay Area pride.
“It feels like an opportunity to build a legacy, and that’s something in your career you don’t often get a chance to do,” Stewart says. “We have nine counties, 101 cities — it’s a huge area. Our goal is to bring the whole of the Bay Area together as fans of Bay FC.”
The new team started with an idea conjured by four old soccer friends: Danielle Slaton, Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner and Leslie Osborne. Slaton and Wagner met as girls playing soccer together while growing up in San Jose. The four of them all joined forces at Santa Clara University — Slaton, Wagner and Osborne playing together with Chastain as a coach.
Inspired by L.A.’s now-famous team, Angel City FC (co-founded by Natalie Portman), the Founding Football Four chased the idea of bringing a team like never before to the Bay Area. The partnership, with investment firm Sixth Street, is bringing that dream to fruition.
“Sixth Street came into the picture and said, ‘Yes, we support your vision. We love this vision. And we want to do it right,’ ” says Slaton. And from there the ball started rolling.
Women’s soccer has been all the buzz lately, from Megan Rapinoe’s long fight for equal pay for women players to the viral French ad that deep-faked men’s bodies and faces over a women’s soccer team, highlighting that women players are just as incredible to watch as their male counterparts.
“It’s great to feel like we’re at this inflection point in women’s sports and that people are recognizing the value of this product that is women’s soccer,” says Slaton.
Bay FC joins in on the buzz, but aims for a higher goal: to unite the entire Bay Area with one outstanding team. This is seen in their logo: with a capital “B” that pays tribute to the Golden Gate Bridge. A team like this needs a home stadium — and that’s PayPal Park in San Jose, where they are investing more than $3 million in a facility for locker rooms, offices, training rooms and more.
“Hopefully we’re creating a world where 5-year-olds are not going to know a world that doesn’t include women’s sports and where female athletes are being given the resources, the backing and the support that they deserve,” Slaton says. “Having little girls see that, but also having little boys see that, I think is incredibly important and empowering for all of us.”
The inaugural season starts in March 2024, but you can buy merch and sign up for tickets at www.bayfc.com — these are going to be the games you won’t want to miss out on.
“Our goal is to create a truly world-class fan experience in the stadium,” Stewart says. “We want that stadium to be full every time we play, and we want people to walk away truly feeling like they have had an incredible experience.”
From Los Gatos to Livermore to San Rafael — and every street in between — get ready to scream GOOOOOAL! for Bay FC.
Brandi Chastain
Chastain played soccer at and graduated from Santa Clara University in 1990, is a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a 2019 inductee into the California Hall of Fame. Chastain was born and raised in San Jose. “More than anything, Bay FC is meant for the fans and especially our young fans. Our commitment to community engagement and giving back will underscore the idea that soccer is not just about personal achievements, but also about making a positive impact.”
Leslie Osborne
Osborne played soccer at and graduated from Santa Clara University in 2005, was a midfielder in the 2007 U.S. FIFA Women’s World Cup and is an NCAA national champion. Born in Wisconsin, Osborne moved out to the Bay Area to attend Santa Clara. “We want to sell out the games, connect with fans, and celebrate this significant milestone in the history of women’s soccer in the U.S.! This inaugural season is more than wins and losses — it’s building a foundation of excellence, sportsmanship and growth that will define Bay FC’s journey for years to come.”
Aly Wagner
Wagner played soccer and graduated from Santa Clara University in 2002, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a NCAA national champion and was the first female broadcaster to call a FIFA Men’s World Cup match on U.S. English-language television. Wagner was born and raised in San Jose. “We want Bay FC to be more than just a soccer club, and we hope to build a community where passion and camaraderie thrive. Seeing this team take the pitch in 2024 will be a true dream come true.”
Danielle Slaton
Slaton played soccer at and graduated from Santa Clara University in 2002. She is an Olympic silver medalist, NCAA national champion, 2003 U.S. FIFA Women’s World Cup defender and chair of the U.S. Soccer Yates Implementation Committee. Slaton was born and raised in San Jose. “Whether you’re in Marin, or whether you’re in Oakland, or San Jose or San Francisco, this team can be for you. We want it to be a part of you. And we want everyone to build this with us.”