Major League Cricket (MLC), the United States’ premier T20 league, is set to commence its third season at the iconic Oakland Coliseum, marking a significant stride in its ambitious journey to revitalize cricket in the world’s largest sports market. This move is part of a billion-dollar initiative aimed at expanding the sport’s footprint in the US.
The 2025 season kicks off from June 12-18 at Oakland, where the Coliseum will host nine thrilling matches. Following this, the tournament will move to Dallas from June 20-29, where the state-of-the-art Grand Prairie Stadium will host further matches, culminating with the playoffs and final from July 8-13. Additional games will be played at Broward County Stadium in Florida from July 1-6.
This expansion into new venues is a historic moment for MLC after its initial two seasons were exclusively hosted in Dallas and Morrisville, North Carolina. The move to Oakland is particularly exciting as the Coliseum has been eyed for some time as a potential cricket venue for the Los Angeles Olympics. This strategic expansion aims to draw in a broader audience, extending beyond the sport’s traditional fanbase.
After a meticulous search, the Oakland Coliseum has been designated as the new home for the San Francisco Unicorns, a franchise backed by Silicon Valley venture capitalists. The Unicorns join the Texas Super Kings as the second team to secure a dedicated ground. This marks a significant step for the league as it seeks to establish roots in different regions of the country.
The Coliseum, traditionally a hub for NFL and baseball, will undergo a transformation to accommodate cricket matches. This includes the installation of specialized drop-in turfs that meet international cricket standards, ensuring that the pitch quality remains top-notch for the players.
Johnny Grave, the CEO of Major League Cricket, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating, “The Coliseum is a fantastic location for Major League Cricket, and we are thrilled by the prospect of some of the world’s biggest cricket stars playing in such an iconic Californian venue.” He added, “Coming to the West Coast, and being here in Oakland, is an historic move for cricket globally. It reinforces our commitment to growing the game in the United States and providing fans with an exceptional cricket experience.”