Roots Stay in the Coliseum? New Deal in the Works

     The Oakland Roots are close to cementing another year in the East Bay’s most storied sports venue. According to a report released in early October 2025, the Oakland Coliseum Joint Powers Authority (JPA) confirmed it has reached “material terms” with the Roots for a license agreement that would allow the soccer club to play its 2026 home matches at the Coliseum. While the deal is still awaiting final approval from city, county, and board officials, both sides appear optimistic that the arrangement will be finalized soon, ensuring that professional soccer continues to have a place in Oakland’s heart for at least another season.

Under the proposed agreement, the Roots would pay between $135,000 and $297,000 per game day, depending on attendance and event logistics, as well as a $1,500 monthly fee for access to a storage area on the property. The terms reflect the club’s growing status and fan base, but also the costs of operating in a major venue. Henry Gardner, the JPA’s executive director, stated that most of the deal’s main points have already been agreed upon, with only minor adjustments remaining. The Roots initially sought a two-year commitment extending through 2027, but the JPA called that request “highly problematic,” opting instead for a single-year license covering March through November 2026.

Another point of discussion has been whether the club’s women’s team, Oakland Soul, might host occasional matches at the Coliseum. For now, the focus remains on securing the Roots’ home schedule, though Gardner has left the door open for Soul participation if logistics allow. The ongoing collaboration between the club and the JPA reflects both sides’ desire to keep professional soccer active in Oakland, even as the future of the Coliseum site remains uncertain.

Attendance data has become one of the more contentious elements of negotiation. JPA general manager Nicole Strange estimated that the Roots averaged between 4,000 and 4,500 fans per match this season, excluding their home opener. The Roots, however, reported a significantly higher average of 6,209. That discrepancy of roughly 55 percent carries major implications, as higher verified attendance strengthens the club’s case in financial negotiations related to rent, concessions, and event-day revenue sharing. It also underscores the team’s growing support, which many local observers say has quietly made the Roots one of the most consistent draws in the USL Championship.

The Coliseum, meanwhile, stands at a crossroads. Once the shared home of the A’s, Raiders, and Warriors, it has become both a cultural landmark and a real estate question mark. The 155-acre complex is co-owned by the City of Oakland and Alameda County, and both entities have signaled plans to sell or redevelop the site by mid-2026. The JPA has already indicated that its current operating authority is expected to end around June 30 of that year, meaning that the Roots’ proposed one-year deal fits neatly within that window. The short-term nature of the agreement gives the JPA flexibility to manage future ownership changes while giving the Roots time to plan their next move, whether that’s within Oakland or elsewhere in the Bay Area.

For the Roots, staying at the Coliseum in 2026 would offer stability after several seasons of uncertainty. It would also maintain the connection between the club and its Oakland fan base, which has rallied behind the team since its founding in 2018. Playing at the Coliseum has allowed the Roots to attract larger crowds than a smaller venue could accommodate, and while the rent structure is steep, the exposure and accessibility of the location are invaluable. The club’s decision to remain also sends a message: Oakland sports may be changing, but the city’s spirit isn’t leaving without a fight.

Still, the financial and logistical realities are complex. Per-game costs nearing $300,000 represent a significant outlay for a USL club, especially one still working to build sustainable revenue streams through merchandise, ticketing, and local sponsorships. The uncertain future of the Coliseum site adds pressure to those plans, as redevelopment could force the club to relocate again after 2026. For now, though, the agreement reflects a pragmatic balance—one that keeps soccer alive in the city while giving both the JPA and the club room to adjust as Oakland’s sports landscape evolves.

If finalized, the deal would mark the Roots’ second full season at the Coliseum, extending their tenancy while long-term plans are sorted out. It’s a temporary solution, but also a symbolic one. The Roots’ name, after all, was born from the idea of grounding a professional team in local identity and community pride. Whether the 2026 season becomes their last at the Coliseum or the foundation for something bigger, the agreement captures the club’s determination to stay rooted in Oakland—even as the ground beneath them continues to shift.