History of Bay FC in Timeline

Bay FC is a professional women's soccer team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As an expansion team, they began competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the 2024 season. The team plays its home matches at PayPal Park, an 18,000-seat soccer-specific stadium located in San Jose, California, which they share with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS.

June 21, 2022: Founding of "NWSL to the Bay" group

On June 21, 2022, Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner announced the founding of a group called "NWSL to the Bay" that would lobby the NWSL for an expansion team in the San Francisco Bay Area.

April 4, 2023: Expansion franchise awarded to Bay Area group

On April 4, 2023, the ownership group, led by Sixth Street Partners and former United States women's national team players, was awarded an expansion franchise in the NWSL. It is the first women's professional soccer team based in the Bay Area since the San Jose CyberRays and FC Gold Pride.

June 1, 2023: Bay FC Name and Logo Announced

On June 1, 2023, the team's name, Bay FC, and logo were officially announced.

June 14, 2023: Brady Stewart Hired as CEO

On June 14, 2023, Bay FC announced the hiring of Brady Stewart, who had led direct-to-consumer business for Levi Strauss & Co., as the team's chief executive officer and first front-office hire.

July 21, 2023: Agreement to Play at PayPal Park

On July 21, 2023, Bay FC announced a five-year agreement to play at PayPal Park in San Jose, home of the San Jose Earthquakes, while planning construction of their own stadium.

September 27, 2023: Albertin Montoya Announced as Head Coach

On September 27, 2023, Albertin Montoya was announced as Bay FC's first head coach.

December 13, 2023: Full Coaching Staff Announced

On December 13, 2023, Bay FC announced their full coaching staff, with Angela Salem and Jason Goodson brought in as assistant coaches, and Diego Restrepo as head of goalkeeping.

February 13, 2024: Racheal Kundananji Signed for Record Transfer Fee

On February 13, 2024, Bay FC signed Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF for $860,000, setting a new record for most expensive transfer in women's soccer history.