PayPal Park in San Jose, California, is set to host the upcoming 2025 NWSL Championship on November 22. The decision to stage the championship match at this venue underscores the continuous focus on engaging with communities passionate about women’s soccer. Since 2015, the NWSL has held its championship match at a pre-selected location, with PayPal Park emerging as the prime candidate in the recent bidding process.
The stadium, which accommodates 18,000 spectators, is not only home to Bay FC, the NWSL’s newest team entering its second season, but also to the MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes. With previous significant events such as the 2016 MLS All-Star Game and numerous matches featuring the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams, PayPal Park has established itself as a notable venue for soccer in the region.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring the NWSL Championship back to the West Coast and to a region with as rich a history in women’s soccer as the Bay Area.” She highlighted the community’s passion and the excitement surrounding Bay FC as key factors in selecting this location for the championship.
November’s event marks the second time in three years that the NWSL final will be held in California, following a record-setting attendance of over 25,000 fans at last year’s championship in San Diego. This season, average attendance figures are promising, with Bay FC drawing nearly 13,400 fans per game and the Earthquakes attracting close to 15,500.
In a bid to further engage fans, Bay FC will aim to break the NWSL regular-season attendance record on August 23 at Oracle Park, with 25,000 tickets already sold for the match against the Washington Spirit. Oracle Park, home to Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants, can accommodate approximately 40,000 fans, setting the stage for a potential new attendance record.
The league continues to focus on growth and commercialization of the championship match, with San Francisco likely being involved for other related events. Berman noted the logistical importance of having predetermined sites for such significant matches, allowing for meticulous planning to enhance the overall experience for players and fans alike.
Overall, the 2025 NWSL Championship at PayPal Park represents a hopeful milestone for women’s soccer, offering an exciting opportunity to showcase top talent in a thriving soccer community. As the league continues to expand, the anticipation surrounding the event reflects a growing support for women’s sports and a promising future for athletics in the Bay Area.