Major League Cricket, the United States’ T20 league, will kick off its third season at the iconic Oakland Coliseum in a significant move aimed at revitalising cricket in the world’s largest sports market as part of a billion-dollar initiative.
From June 12-18, Oakland will host nine matches before the tournament transitions to Dallas (June 20-29), where the Grand Prairie stadium will serve as the centerpiece of American cricket, followed by games in Broward County, Florida (July 1-6).
The playoffs and final (July 8-13) will take place in Dallas, which, along with the smaller Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina, hosted all matches during MLC’s first two seasons.
This marks the first expansion of the competition into new venues, following its initial years. The Coliseum has been considered for some time as a potential cricket venue for the Los Angeles Olympics, making this move particularly exciting as it aims to attract a broader audience beyond traditional cricket fans.
After an extensive search, the Oakland Coliseum will be the home of the San Francisco Unicorns, a franchise supported by Silicon Valley venture capitalists. They join the Texas Super Kings as the second team to secure a dedicated ground.
The Coliseum, primarily designed for NFL and baseball, will be reshaped to adapt to cricket matches, including the installation of specialised drop-in turfs that meet international cricket standards.
“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,” said Johnny Grave, CEO of Major League Cricket.
“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,” he added.
MLC 2025 Season details:
June 12-18 at the Oakland Coliseum
June 20-29; July 8-13: Grand Prairie, Texas
July 1-6: Broward County Stadium, Florida
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