Oakland Coliseum Set to Host Major League Cricket Playoffs and Championship in 2026
The Oakland Coliseum, recently vacated by the Oakland Athletics, is finding new life as the host venue for the 2026 Cognizant Major League Cricket (MLC) playoffs and Championship game. This marks a significant milestone for cricket in Northern California, bringing world-class competition to the Bay Area. The stadium also hosted inaugural matches in 2025, signaling a growing interest in the sport within the region.
A New Chapter for the Coliseum
Following the departure of the Oakland A’s after playing their last home game in September 2025, the Coliseum has transitioned to accommodate a different sporting spectacle. The venue, which previously resonated with the sounds of baseball, now echoes with the cheers for cricket fans, many sporting “horned bucket hats, waving scarves, and flags.” [The San Francisco Standard] The shift highlights the Coliseum’s adaptability and its continued role as a major sporting venue.
MLC 2026 Schedule and Bay Area Focus
The San Francisco Unicorns’ 2026 MLC schedule has been officially announced, with the Bay Area taking center stage for the league’s postseason. [San Francisco Unicorns] The entire postseason will be hosted in the Bay Area, with playoff matches commencing on July 15, 2026, and culminating in the Championship game on July 18, 2026. Regular-season matches will also be held at the Coliseum, alongside Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium near Dallas, Texas, and a new venue in Fairplex, Pomona, California.
San Francisco Unicorns 2026 Fixtures
The Unicorns will begin their 2026 campaign with a California derby against the LA Knight Riders at Grand Prairie Stadium on June 19, 2026, followed by a game against the Texas Super Kings on June 20, 2026. [San Francisco Unicorns] League play will then shift to Oakland, where the Unicorns will face the Texas Super Kings again, followed by matches against the Seattle Orcas and Washington Freedom. Further fixtures will take place at Fairplex, against Washington Freedom and MI New York. The Unicorns will conclude their group games back in Texas, competing against MI New York, LA Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas.
Coliseum’s Capacity for Cricket
The Oakland Coliseum can accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators for cricket matches. [Wikipedia] This capacity demonstrates the venue’s suitability for hosting major cricket events and providing an engaging experience for fans.
A Boost for Cricket in the United States
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing world-class cricket back to the Bay,” said Unicorns CEO David White. [San Francisco Unicorns] The decision to host the MLC playoffs and Championship in Oakland underscores the growing popularity of cricket in the United States and the league’s commitment to expanding its reach. The Fairplex venue is also slated to host cricket events during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, further solidifying the sport’s presence in California.