Major League Cricket (MLC), the United States’ premier professional T20 league, is set to make its much-anticipated Bay Area debut this summer. The action will take place at the Oakland Coliseum from June 12 to 18, 2025, marking a key milestone in the growth of cricket in the U.S.
The debut event will feature nine T20 matches over seven days, including a highly anticipated home game for the San Francisco Unicorns, the Bay Area’s own franchise.
🏟️ Venue & Pitch Innovation
To accommodate the matches, organizers will install a drop-in grass pitch — the same technology used successfully during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in New York. The pitch is being shipped from Florida and will be placed atop the baseball outfield, specially modified for cricket play.
MLC’s investment in adapting world-class facilities reflects its ambition to become a top-tier global league, on par with the IPL and BBL.
🏏 Teams Participating:
The mini-tournament will include five of the league’s franchises:
- San Francisco Unicorns
- Seattle Orcas
- Los Angeles Knight Riders
- Texas Super Kings
- MI New York
Star players such as Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Sunil Narine, and Corey Anderson are expected to feature, drawing attention from cricket fans across North America.
🗣️ MLC CEO Justin Geale Comments:
“Bringing MLC to the Bay Area is part of our long-term vision. The region has a strong cricket fanbase and deserves world-class events. Oakland will feel like a cricket stadium this June.”
🌍 Cricket’s Growth in the U.S.
Cricket is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by participation rate, particularly among South Asian, Caribbean, and British diaspora communities. The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, drew record attendances and media coverage — providing momentum for MLC to expand to new cities.
MLC is backed by significant investment from tech and sports entrepreneurs, including executives from Microsoft, Satya Nadella, and Bollywood stars.
🎟️ Ticket Info & Fan Zones
Tickets go on sale May 15 via the MLC website, with prices starting at $15. The event will also feature:
- Food trucks with South Asian cuisine
- Live DJ sets and fan activities
- Player autograph zones
All matches will be streamed live via Willow TV and YouTube for global audiences.
With this debut, MLC is setting the stage for full-season expansion in 2026, potentially adding franchises in Chicago and Atlanta.