Bay FC
Bay FC is a professional women's soccer club based in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, competing as an expansion franchise in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top tier of women's professional soccer in the United States.[1][2] Established in April 2023, the club was co-founded by four United States women's national team (USWNT) legends—Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton, and Leslie Osborne—in partnership with the global investment firm Sixth Street Partners, which leads the ownership group and paid a record $53 million franchise fee to join the NWSL.[3][4][5] Bay FC represents the diverse cultures and communities of the Bay Area, marking the first NWSL team in the region, and has attracted additional high-profile investors such as WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu.[1][6] The team played its inaugural season in 2024 under head coach Albertin Montoya, who guided Bay FC to the NWSL playoffs as one of the league's newest entrants, a notable achievement for an expansion side.[7][8] In 2025, Montoya's final year with the club, Bay FC recorded four regular-season wins, highlighted by forward Racheal Kundananji setting the team's all-time scoring record with nine goals, while drawing record crowds including over 40,000 fans for a special match at Oracle Park in San Francisco.[9][10][11] Bay FC plays its home matches at PayPal Park, a soccer-specific stadium in San Jose with a capacity of 18,000, shared with Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, and recently signed a 25-year lease for a permanent training facility on Treasure Island in San Francisco.[12][13][4] The club's roster features a mix of international talent and domestic stars, including defender Caprice Dydasco and midfielder Dorian Bailey, with several players earning international call-ups during the 2025 season.[14][10] Known for its community engagement and rapid growth in fan support—such as selling out its 18,000-seat home opener in 2024—Bay FC embodies the rising momentum of women's soccer in the United States.[15][10]History
Formation and franchise award
In April 2023, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) officially awarded an expansion franchise to a Bay Area ownership group, marking the league's 14th team and setting the stage for its debut in the 2024 season. The franchise rights were granted following a competitive bid process that began in late 2022, with the group paying a record $53 million expansion fee to join the league.[16] The ownership consortium was spearheaded by global investment firm Sixth Street Partners as the majority owner, committing an initial $125 million investment to establish and operate the club.[17] Joining Sixth Street on the board were four former United States Women's National Team (USWNT) players—Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton, and Leslie Osborne—who played pivotal roles in assembling the bid and emphasizing a commitment to women's soccer development in the region.[18] Their involvement brought credibility and local ties, drawing on their collective experience as players and advocates to shape the franchise's vision.[3] Pre-launch preparations accelerated throughout 2023, beginning with the announcement of the team's name, Bay FC, on June 1, alongside its crest and visual identity inspired by the San Francisco Bay Area's landmarks and geography.[19] In mid-June, the club hired Lucy Rushton, formerly general manager of D.C. United, as its inaugural general manager to oversee player recruitment and operational setup.[20] Later that year, on September 27, Bay FC appointed Albertin Montoya, a longtime Bay Area coach with experience at San Jose Earthquakes and U.S. youth national teams, as its first head coach.[21] To cultivate a fanbase ahead of its 2024 launch, Bay FC initiated early community engagement in the San Francisco Bay Area, including opening season ticket deposits in June 2023 that quickly garnered thousands of commitments and partnerships focused on youth soccer access and women's empowerment programs.[22] These efforts underscored the club's founding principles of being player-led, fan-focused, and community-oriented.[3]2024 inaugural season
Bay FC entered the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as an expansion team in 2024, competing in a 22-game regular season schedule. The team finished with a record of 11 wins, 1 draw, and 14 losses, accumulating 34 points and securing seventh place in the standings, which qualified them for the playoffs as one of the league's top eight teams.[23][24] This performance marked Bay FC as the highest-finishing expansion team in NWSL history and the second expansion club ever to reach the postseason in its debut year.[25] The season began with a 1-0 victory over Angel City FC on March 17, 2024, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, providing an immediate boost in their inaugural match. Their home opener followed on March 30, 2024, at PayPal Park against the Houston Dash, drawing a sold-out crowd of 18,000 but resulting in a 2-3 loss despite goals from Deyna Castellanos and Racheal Kundananji. A pivotal late-season win came on November 2, 2024, when Bay FC defeated the Houston Dash 3-2 away, clinching their playoff berth with a brace from Kundananji. In the playoffs, Bay FC faced the Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals on November 10, 2024, at Audi Field, taking a late lead through Asisat Oshoala's goal in the 82nd minute before falling 1-2 in extra time.[26][27][24][28] Major roster additions included Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala, who signed with Bay FC in January 2024 ahead of the season and debuted with a goal in the opening match, going on to lead the team with seven regular-season goals and eight overall. The team's offensive output was bolstered by such international talent, though adaptation to the NWSL's fast-paced, physical style presented early hurdles for the new franchise. Bay FC achieved several milestones, including the most regular-season wins (11) by any NWSL expansion team and drawing over 149,000 fans across 11 home matches at PayPal Park, with an average attendance of 13,617 that ranked fourth in the league.[29][30][31] Challenges throughout the season included key injuries, such as goalkeeper Melissa Lowder's season-ending ACL tear announced in March 2024 and midfielder Alex Loera's early ACL injury in April, which disrupted lineup consistency.[32][33] The compressed schedule, incorporating international commitments and the inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, contributed to fatigue and further injuries among players adapting from European leagues. Despite these obstacles, Bay FC's debut campaign established a foundation of competitiveness and fan support in the Bay Area.[34]2025 season
Bay FC entered the 2025 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season aiming to build on their inaugural playoff appearance, but the team struggled throughout, ultimately finishing with a regular season record of 4 wins, 8 draws, and 14 losses, accumulating 20 points and placing 13th out of 14 teams, missing the playoffs. This marked a downturn from their 2024 debut, where they secured a postseason berth. The season was characterized by defensive vulnerabilities, with the team conceding 41 goals while their attack managed only 26 goals scored.[35][2][9] Key matches highlighted both on-field challenges and off-field milestones. On August 23, 2025, Bay FC hosted the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park in San Francisco, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 40,091 fans—the highest attendance for any NWSL match and the largest in U.S. women's professional sports history—though the team fell 3-2 in a competitive affair. The home finale at PayPal Park on October 17, 2025, against the North Carolina Courage ended in a 4-1 defeat, capping a season of inconsistencies despite moments of resilience from the squad.[36][37] Coaching and front office transitions added to the season's turbulence. In March 2025, the NWSL launched an independent investigation into Bay FC's coaching staff following reports of a toxic work environment. The investigation concluded on July 8, 2025, finding that head coach Albertin Montoya did not violate league policies on workplace discrimination, harassment, and bullying, though it recommended improvements to the club's culture. On September 8, 2025, the club announced that Montoya, who had led the team since its inception, would step down at the end of the season as part of broader sporting organization changes aimed at entering a "next phase" for the franchise. These shifts, including adjustments in the technical staff, were intended to address the team's performance issues.[38][7][8] Player performances provided bright spots amid the struggles. Forward Racheal Kundananji emerged as a standout, scoring 4 goals during the season. Several roster members earned international recognition, with nine players receiving call-ups to their national teams for camps and competitions throughout the year, including Kundananji for Zambia and U.S. Under-23 selections for Leah Freeman, Taylor Huff, and Karlie Lema.[10][39][40] Attendance trends reflected growing fan interest despite the on-field results. Regular home games at PayPal Park averaged around 8,000 spectators, demonstrating steady support in San Jose, but the Oracle Park experiment dramatically elevated visibility, surpassing the prior NWSL single-game record of 35,038 set in 2024. Overall, these crowds underscored Bay FC's role in expanding the league's reach in the Bay Area.[11][41]Club identity
Name and crest
Bay FC's name was officially selected and announced on June 1, 2023, to encapsulate the geographic and cultural essence of the San Francisco Bay Area while honoring soccer's international heritage through the use of "FC" for Football Club.[19] The choice emphasizes regional unity, drawing from the bay's role as a connector of diverse Northern California communities and fostering a shared passion for the sport, as highlighted by co-founder Aly Wagner.[19][42] The club's crest was unveiled on the same date, featuring a bold, monogrammed "B" in customized gothic typography that stylizes a support pillar of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.[19][22] This design draws inspiration from Bay Area street art and natural elements like fog, with the bridge motif symbolizing strength, connection, and the resilience of the region's diverse cultures, as articulated by co-founder Danielle Slaton.[19] The circular emblem evokes timelessness and the bay's unifying presence, tying directly to local landmarks without explicit wave patterns but implying the Pacific Ocean's enduring influence.[43][44] The crest has remained consistent since its debut, with no major design evolutions reported through the 2025 season, though it integrates seamlessly with the team's color palette for apparel applications.[45][46] The branding launch generated positive public reception, marked by a press conference on June 1, 2023, featuring U.S. Women's National Team legends, followed by the inaugural "Day for the Bay" public festival on June 3, 2023, at San Francisco's Presidio.[47][19] This free event, attended by hundreds of fans, included meet-and-greets with co-founders Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner, music, and activities that celebrated the arrival of the Bay Area's first professional women's soccer franchise amid widespread excitement.[48][49][50]Colors and kits
Bay FC's official color palette, unveiled in June 2023, consists of Bay blue (Pantone 296 C, a vibrant medium blue representing the region's waters), poppy red (Pantone Warm Red, symbolizing energy and passion), fog gray (Pantone 649, evoking the Bay Area's misty climate), steel gray (Pantone Cool Grey 2, for resilience), and white (for clarity and unity).[19][51][52] The club partners with Nike as its kit supplier, aligning with the NWSL's league-wide agreement, for both the 2024 inaugural season and beyond.[53][54] The 2024 home kit features a predominantly white base with a subtle wave pattern in varying tones of fog gray across the front, accented by the Bay FC crest in Bay blue on the left chest and the Sutter Health sponsor logo in black; an inaugural season shield patch appears on the sleeve.[55][56][57] The away kit adopts a blackout design in black with tonal gray graphics inspired by Bay Area architecture and monuments, incorporating Nike Dri-FIT technology made from 100% recycled polyester for sustainability.[58][59] For the 2025 season, Bay FC introduced refreshed kits, with the primary kit shifting to an obsidian deep navy base (in Bay blue) featuring bold poppy red accents on the collar, sleeves, and piping to emphasize the club's tenacity.[45][60] The secondary kit updates the previous white design with poppy trim, silver details, and a bold linear graphic across the chest, while maintaining the recycled polyester fabric for environmental responsibility.[60][61] Special edition kits include a 2024 Pride collection with rainbow-infused jerseys and apparel designed by queer Bay Area artist Will Tullos, promoting inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQAI+ community; these were available as replica jerseys alongside hoodies and hats.[62][63] In 2025, Bay FC collaborated with Soccer Without Borders to create custom community kits for a middle school girls' team, though these were not used in official matches.[64]Facilities
Primary stadium
Bay FC's primary stadium is PayPal Park, located in San Jose, California, which has served as the team's main home venue since its inaugural 2024 season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). PayPal Park will also host the 2025 NWSL Championship final on November 22, 2025.[65][66][67] PayPal Park, a soccer-specific stadium, opened on March 22, 2015, originally as Avaya Stadium, and was renamed in 2021 following a sponsorship agreement with PayPal.[68][69] It primarily hosts matches for Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes, with Bay FC sharing the facility under a multi-year lease agreement that covers at least the team's first five seasons starting in 2024.[66] The stadium features a capacity of approximately 18,000 for soccer configurations, including steeply raked seating for optimal sightlines and a canopy roof providing shade over much of the seating bowl.[70][71] For Bay FC matches, the stadium incorporates team-specific adaptations, such as dedicated standing-room-only supporter sections in areas 117-118 to foster an energetic atmosphere for fans.[72] Halftime entertainment is tailored to celebrate women's soccer, featuring performances by local groups like the Bay FC Beats Drumline and San Jose-based dance academies, enhancing the matchday experience with community-focused activations.[73][74] The club has invested in fan amenities, including premium club seats and suites at field level with access to upscale food, beverages, and private lounges, alongside general stadium features like North America's largest outdoor bar and a two-acre fan zone.[75][71] In its first two seasons, Bay FC has drawn average home attendances exceeding 13,000, ranking among the league's highest and reflecting strong regional support at the venue.[31][76][77] While PayPal Park remains the core home site, Bay FC has occasionally utilized alternate venues for select high-profile matches to accommodate larger crowds.[78]Training and academy facilities
Bay FC's primary training base is located at San José State University in San Jose, California, where the club has utilized dedicated facilities since late 2023 to support its inaugural 2024 season and ongoing operations.[79] The setup includes multiple soccer pitches and access to on-campus gym and performance resources, enabling year-round practice sessions for the professional team. This location, approximately two miles from the club's primary stadium at PayPal Park, facilitates efficient integration between training and match preparation.[79] The club's academy program emphasizes youth development through partnerships with Bay Area organizations, focusing on creating a local talent pipeline for girls' soccer. Launched in conjunction with the team's entry into the NWSL, these initiatives include collaborations with non-profits like Soccer Without Borders and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco to provide training opportunities and clinics for young players, particularly those from underserved communities.[64][80] In 2025, Bay FC announced plans for a new all-girls youth soccer league starting in 2026, targeting ages aligned with U-15 and U-17 levels to foster long-term growth and accessibility in the sport.[80] In March 2025, Bay FC revealed expansion plans for a dedicated Sports Performance Center on Treasure Island in San Francisco under a 25-year lease agreement signed with the City and County of San Francisco in December 2024, funded by the club's ownership group to enhance training infrastructure.[4][81] Groundbreaking occurred in September 2025, with the 8.5-acre facility scheduled to open ahead of the 2027 NWSL season.[82] The center will feature three professional-grade training fields, sports science laboratories, recovery and wellness areas, and spaces for nutrition and medical support, designed by architecture firm Olson Kundig to prioritize athlete health and performance.[81][83] Daily training at the current base typically involves morning sessions focused on tactical drills and fitness, followed by afternoon recovery and video analysis, with the full squad convening five to six days per week during the regular season.[84] These routines integrate with NWSL preseason camps, such as the 2025 sessions that began on January 27 in the Bay Area, emphasizing team building and physical conditioning before the league schedule.[84] The academy programs similarly incorporate regular clinics and skill-building sessions, often held weekly at partner sites to align with school schedules and promote sustained participation.[64]Ownership and management
Ownership group
Bay FC's ownership is led by Sixth Street Partners, a global investment firm managing over $115 billion in assets as of 2025, which acquired the NWSL franchise for a record $53 million expansion fee in April 2023.[85][3][86] This investment marked the largest to date in the league and positioned Sixth Street as the majority owner, providing the financial foundation for the club's launch in the 2024 season.[87] The ownership group includes minority stakeholders from the "Founding Four"—former United States Women's National Team players Brandi Chastain, Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton, and Leslie Osborne—who hold equity stakes and serve in advisory roles leveraging their expertise in women's soccer.[3][88] These co-founders contribute to strategic direction, emphasizing a player-centric approach informed by their on-field experiences and advocacy for the growth of the sport.[89] In January 2025, Sixth Street launched Bay Collective as a parent entity overseeing Bay FC and future multi-club ventures in women's soccer, aiming to build a global ecosystem for the sport.[90] This structure reflects the group's broader investment strategy, incorporating other prominent figures such as Sheryl Sandberg and Tom Bernthal to enhance the club's profile.[3] The ownership's strategic goals center on establishing Bay FC as a global sports franchise, with ambitions to elevate women's soccer internationally through world-class facilities and partnerships.[91] In the Bay Area, the group prioritizes community impact via initiatives like Bay It Forward, which promotes access to sports, diversity, equity, and inclusion for underserved youth and women.[92][3] Sustainability efforts are integrated into development plans, including a sustainable mixed-use neighborhood around the club's training facilities on Treasure Island.[82]Front office
The front office of Bay FC oversees the club's business operations, including commercial partnerships, revenue generation, and community engagement, reporting to the ownership group led by Sixth Street Partners. Brady Stewart served as Bay FC's inaugural Chief Executive Officer from June 2023 until October 2025, guiding the expansion team's launch and initial operations. She stepped down on October 24, 2025, to allow the club to enter its next growth phase, having established foundational successes in attendance and fan engagement. Russell Wolff, Managing Director of Sports, Media & Entertainment at Sixth Street, assumed interim leadership of business operations following her departure. Lucy Rushton was appointed as Bay FC's first General Manager in June 2023, responsible for player recruitment, contract negotiations, scouting, and maintaining relations with the National Women's Soccer League. She resigned in June 2024 midway through the inaugural season, after which Matt Potter, previously Technical Director, took on expanded duties as head of football operations; Potter was named permanent Sporting Director in December 2024. In October 2025, Bay Collective—the ownership's global platform for women's soccer investments—announced key hires to bolster operations, including Anja van Ginhoven as Director of Global Women's Football Operations and Patricia González as Global Head of Marketing and Content. On November 10, 2025, Brenden Mallette was appointed Chief Revenue Officer to lead commercial growth and partnerships in the club's next phase.[93] The front office manages critical areas such as ticket sales, exemplified by the August 2025 "Show at Oracle Park" event against the Washington Spirit, which sold out with 40,091 attendees and set a new NWSL single-match attendance record. Sponsorship efforts include leveraging the club's residency at PayPal Park, where tie-ins with the stadium's naming rights partner enhance visibility and revenue streams. Diversity initiatives are prioritized through programs like Bay It Forward, launched in June 2025, which provides matchday experiences and resources to underserved and underrepresented Bay Area communities.Coaching staff
Albertin Montoya served as Bay FC's inaugural head coach from 2024 to 2025, having been appointed in September 2023 to lead the expansion team in its debut NWSL season.[21] Under his guidance, Bay FC achieved a playoff berth in their first year, finishing seventh in the league standings with a record of 11 wins, 1 draw, and 14 losses.[94] Montoya, who previously coached the U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team and served as interim head coach for the Washington Spirit in 2022, emphasized a possession-driven style of play influenced by his youth national team experience, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation to control the ball and build from the back.[95] He stepped down at the conclusion of the 2025 season, during which the team recorded 4 wins, 8 draws, and 14 losses, missing the playoffs.[7] The coaching staff was supported by assistant coaches Jason Goodson and Angela Salem, both of whom joined ahead of the 2024 season and returned for 2025. Goodson, with prior experience in the NWSL as an assistant with the Chicago Red Stars, focused on attacking patterns and set pieces, while Salem, a former U.S. international midfielder, contributed to midfield organization and player development, drawing from her playing career that included stints with the Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage.[96][97] Kelly Miller served as the goalkeeping coach in 2025, having replaced Diego Restrepo from the inaugural year; Miller brought expertise from her time coaching at the collegiate level and with U.S. youth national teams.[97] The staff also included a fitness trainer hired in 2024 to oversee conditioning and injury prevention, though specific details on that role remained internal to club operations.[98] In March 2025, the NWSL launched an independent investigation into the coaching staff following reports of a toxic work environment and workplace allegations, including claims of emotional harm to players.[99] The review, completed in July 2025, cleared Montoya and the staff of any violations of league anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies, though it noted instances of emotional harm and recommended corrective measures such as improved communication training, which were implemented without major operational disruptions.[100] Following Montoya's departure announcement in September 2025, Bay FC initiated a search for a new head coach, which remains ongoing as of November 2025, led by sporting director influences from the front office to align with the club's long-term vision.[7]Players
Current squad
As of November 2025, Bay FC maintains an active roster of 26 players for the 2025 NWSL season, comprising a balanced mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The squad emphasizes defensive solidity with experienced center backs, creative midfield play, and potent attacking options led by prolific scorers. Six players hail from the Bay Area, highlighting the club's commitment to local talent, while international stars from countries including Zambia, Nigeria, and Venezuela add global depth. Key contract extensions include defender Kelli Hubly through 2026, midfielder Dorian Bailey through 2027, and defender Sydney Collins on a two-year deal signed in August 2025. Recent updates include the acquisition of defender Brooklyn Courtnall on loan from North Carolina Courage on August 28, 2025, through the end of the season.[101][102][103][104][105]Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper unit is anchored by Melissa Lowder as the primary starter, with Emmie Allen serving as a reliable backup who earned a contract extension for 2025 with an option for 2026 following strong preseason performances. Both are American keepers focused on distribution and shot-stopping.[101][106]Defenders
Bay FC's defense features a robust backline with 10 players, blending veterans and rising talents. Notable inclusions are Kelli Hubly, a two-time NWSL champion signed in the 2025 preseason to bolster central defense; Sydney Collins, a Canadian international acquired via trade and extended through 2027; and Abby Dahlkemper, a Bay Area native from Menlo Park providing leadership. Other defenders include Caprice Dydasco, Emily Menges, Alyssa Malonson, Kiki Pickett, Jordan Silkowitz, Jordan Brewster, Paige Sharples, and Brooklyn Courtnall, acquired on loan August 28, 2025, through the end of the season, all contributing to a unit that prioritized clean sheets in the 2025 campaign. Dorian Bailey, versatile across defensive midfield roles, also supports the backline.[101][107][104][105][101]Midfielders
The midfield group of eight players offers creativity and work rate, led by Bay Area native Joelle Anderson from San Jose, who excels in wide areas. Hannah Bebar and Catherine Paulson provide depth, with Paulson making her NWSL debut in August 2025. Additional midfielders include Tess Boade (Canada), Caroline Conti (extended for 2025 with a 2026 option), Jamie Shepherd (similar extension), Taylor Huff (debut March 2025, four goals in 2025, NWSL Rookie of the Month for October/November), and Dorian Bailey, an American with a recent extension through 2027, anchoring the group with her tenacity.[101][9][108][103][109][110]Forwards
Bay FC's forward line of five players is attack-minded, with Racheal Kundananji from Zambia serving as the all-time leading scorer for the club after netting key goals in 2025, including becoming the franchise's top marksman in September. Local flavor comes from Karlie Lema, while Penelope Hocking (who led the team with six goals in 2025) and newcomers such as Onyeka Gamero round out the group, emphasizing speed and clinical play.[9][39][110][9]| Position | No. | Player | Nationality | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 1 | Melissa Lowder | USA | Starter |
| GK | 23 | Emmie Allen | USA | Backup; extended 2025 |
| DF | 2 | Jordan Brewster | USA | - |
| DF | 3 | Caprice Dydasco | USA | - |
| DF | 4 | Emily Menges | USA | Veteran |
| DF | 11 | Kelli Hubly | USA | Through 2026 |
| DF | 13 | Abby Dahlkemper | USA | Bay Area native |
| DF | 16 | Sydney Collins | CAN | Extended Aug 2025 |
| DF | 18 | Alyssa Malonson | USA | - |
| DF | 19 | Kiki Pickett | USA | - |
| DF | 24 | Jordan Silkowitz | USA | Debut 2025 |
| DF | 5 | Paige Sharples | USA | - |
| DF | 22 | Brooklyn Courtnall | CAN | Loaned in Aug 2025 through end of season |
| MF | 6 | Dorian Bailey | USA | Through 2027 |
| MF | 8 | Joelle Anderson | USA | Bay Area native |
| MF | 12 | Tess Boade | CAN | - |
| MF | 14 | Caroline Conti | USA | Extended 2025 |
| MF | 17 | Hannah Bebar | USA | - |
| MF | 20 | Catherine Paulson | USA | Debut Aug 2025 |
| MF | 21 | Jamie Shepherd | USA | Extended 2025 |
| MF | 7 | Taylor Huff | USA | 4 goals in 2025; Rookie of the Month Oct/Nov |
| FW | 10 | Racheal Kundananji | ZAM | All-time leading scorer |
| FW | 15 | Karlie Lema | USA | Bay Area ties |
| FW | 25 | Onyeka Gamero | USA | - |
| FW | 26 | Penelope Hocking | USA | Top scorer 2025 (6 goals) |
| FW | - | [Vacant or adjust for 26 total] | - | - |
Notable achievements and transfers
Bay FC made significant investments in its inaugural 2024 season by securing high-profile international talents, including Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala from FC Barcelona on February 1, 2024, for an undisclosed transfer fee reported around $162,000, marking the club's first major acquisition and establishing an early benchmark for spending.[111][112] Shortly after, on February 14, 2024, the club signed Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF for a then-world-record fee of €735,000 (approximately $787,000), surpassing previous women's soccer transfer benchmarks and solidifying Bay FC's ambition as an expansion team.[113][114] In individual accolades, Oshoala emerged as Bay FC's leading scorer during the 2024 NWSL regular season with seven goals, contributing significantly to the team's playoff qualification in its debut year. Kundananji, meanwhile, etched her name in club history in 2025 by becoming Bay FC's all-time leading scorer on September 14, 2025, with a goal against Orlando Pride that surpassed Oshoala's previous mark; she finished the 2025 season with four goals and four assists, earning a nomination for the Confederation of African Football Women's Player of the Year.[115][9][116][117] Several Bay FC players received international call-ups in 2025, highlighting the club's global appeal. Oshoala and Kundananji were selected for their national teams' squads for the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in June, with Kundananji featuring in multiple Zambia matches that year, including scoring five international goals.[118][39] Oshoala also represented Nigeria in qualifiers and friendlies leading toward the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.[9] The club experienced notable departures in 2025, including midfielder Deyna Castellanos entering free agency on January 23, 2025, via mutual agreement, after which she joined Portland Thorns FC.[119] Forward Asisat Oshoala transferred to Al Hilal in the Saudi Women's Premier League on September 2, 2025, for an undisclosed fee, following a season where she struggled with form but remained a key figure in club records.[120] Additional post-season adjustments included forward Princess Marfo departing as a free agent to Nordsjælland on September 22, 2025.[121] Youth development saw promising integration, with local talent Taylor Huff making her NWSL debut for Bay FC on March 15, 2025, after signing as a rookie free agent on January 9, 2025.[9] Huff quickly established herself, starting consistently and earning the NWSL Rookie of the Month award for October/November 2025 after scoring four goals in her debut campaign, contributing to the club's emphasis on homegrown players.[109][122][110]Records and statistics
Team performance
Bay FC entered the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as an expansion team in 2024, marking the beginning of its competitive history. In its inaugural season, the team finished 7th in the standings with a record of 11 wins, 1 draw, and 14 losses, accumulating 34 points from 26 matches. This performance qualified Bay FC for the playoffs, where it made a single appearance, advancing to the quarterfinals before suffering a 2-1 overtime loss to the Washington Spirit. The team's offensive output included 31 goals scored, while conceding 41, reflecting a balanced but ultimately insufficient defensive effort for deeper postseason success. The team recorded 6 clean sheets in the regular season.[94][28][123] The 2025 season presented greater challenges for Bay FC in a 14-team league. The club ended in 13th place with 20 points from 4 wins, 8 draws, and 14 losses across 26 games, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Bay FC scored 26 goals but conceded 41, highlighting ongoing defensive vulnerabilities and the lowest goal tally in the league. Despite the results, the team generated 34.1 expected goals (xG), ranking 7th league-wide and indicating some underlying attacking potential not fully realized on the scoreboard. The team recorded 3 clean sheets in the regular season.[124][9][125] Over two seasons, Bay FC has compiled an aggregate record of 15 wins, 9 draws, and 28 losses in 52 regular-season matches, with 57 goals for and 82 against. Home and away splits reveal variability: in 2024, the team performed stronger on the road (6-1-6) than at home (5-0-8), a trend that reversed in 2025 with struggles away (1-5-7) compared to home (3-3-7). This disparity underscores the club's adaptation challenges in the competitive NWSL environment.| Season | Position | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points | Goals For | Goals Against | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7th | 26 | 11 | 1 | 14 | 34 | 31 | 41 | Quarterfinals loss |
| 2025 | 13th | 26 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 26 | 41 | Did not qualify |
Individual records
Racheal Kundananji leads Bay FC in all-time goals with 14 scored across the club's first two NWSL seasons through 2025 (5 in 2024 and 9 in 2025), establishing her as the franchise's top scorer and a key offensive force since joining in 2024.[10][126] Asisat Oshoala ranks second with 7 goals, contributing significantly during her tenure before transferring to Al Hilal in September 2025.[28][127] In assists, Racheal Kundananji holds the club record with 7, showcasing her playmaking ability alongside her scoring prowess, while Deyna Castellanos follows with assists contributing to the team's midfield creativity.[115] Caprice Dydasco leads in appearances, with over 40 starts since Bay FC's inception, anchoring the defense and earning recognition as one of the league's ironwomen for her consistent availability.[128] Among goalkeepers, the team recorded 3 clean sheets in 2025, with Jordan Silkowitz as the primary starter, adding to the 6 clean sheets achieved in 2024, with Katelyn Rowland contributing 3.[9][123] Bay FC players have earned notable awards, including nominations for Kundananji for the Lauren Holiday Impact Award and CAF Women's Player of the Year, while Oshoala was part of Nigeria's triumphant 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations squad.[116][129][130]| Category | Leader | Total (through 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Racheal Kundananji | 14 |
| Assists | Racheal Kundananji | 7 |
| Appearances (starts) | Caprice Dydasco | 40+ |
| Clean Sheets (team total) | 2024: 6 / 2025: 3 | 9 |