Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club Asks Visionary Investors to Help Write the Next Chapter for Oakland Sports

The club’s $15 million raise enters key final stretch, positioning Roots and Soul to operate their own game day venue at the practice facility in Alameda.

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club today announced that OAK15, the club’s $15 million raise, is entering its final stretch, inviting accredited investors to help close the round. The raise has been underway with backing from existing investors and longtime supporters. Closing the round will fund the club’s Alameda venue development, maintain momentum toward a permanent waterfront home at Howard Terminal, and support operations through the 2027 season.

For the first time in its history, the club is positioned to control its own game day venue—a goal Roots and Soul have pursued since inception. Controlling its own venue allows the club to enhance the fan experience, keep ticket prices accessible, and reinvest in the community.

When major sports franchises departed, Oakland’s professional sports narrative was called into question. Roots and Soul stayed and built back into the community. On October 10, the club concluded its two-year run at the historic Oakland Coliseum. As the next era begins, the club calls on investors who believe in Oakland to help write its next chapter.

Momentum behind OAK15

OAK15 continues to generate strong momentum. The club is in active discussions with prospective high-net-worth individuals and figures across sports, music, and entertainment, including iconic Oakland A’s player Dave Stewart, Smoke34 co-founder Matthew Jacobson, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, and others. The existing ownership group is united by the conviction that Oakland deserves sports teams that remain deeply rooted in the city and are excited to expand the syndicate.

The foundation is in place. Now the club is opening the door wider to investors ready to be part of what comes next.

Built by the people who believed early

The club has always been community-powered. Roots and Soul’s investors, including thousands of grassroots community investors whose previous round set a record for the largest community investment round in American sports history, alongside dedicated fans, have propelled the organization to this milestone. Their collective support transformed a vision into one of the most recognized clubs in American soccer, bringing a club-owned venue within reach.

“For years, our overarching goal has been to have the infrastructure that will make Roots and Soul a lasting institution, and we are finally positioned to achieve it,” said Steven Aldrich, Board Chair of Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club. “This is a defining moment for the future of professional soccer in Oakland. Oakland has a bright future, men’s and women’s professional soccer – and the USL specifically – are growing, and we have shown we are a community-centered sports organization. This is an extraordinary opportunity, and now is the moment to bring the capital needed.”

A home built for The Town

OAK15 represents more than a venue; it ensures professional sports remain in the East Bay, built for and owned by the community. The Alameda facility will anchor Roots and Soul adjacent to its training facility at the former Raiders headquarters, generating local employment, youth soccer access, community events, and economic activity for area businesses while long-term planning for Howard Terminal proceeds.

A pivotal moment for Oakland soccer

On November 4 and 9, 2026, the City of Alameda will consider the Club’s request to play next season at its practice facility on Harbor Bay Parkway in Alameda. With these key City of Alameda votes on the proposed venue-related improvements at the Oakland Roots and Soul SC Performance Center scheduled, the coming weeks represent a critical moment for Roots and Soul. The club is actively engaging prospective investors who want to help bring this vision to life. Those interested in joining OAK15 are encouraged to reach out now at invest@rootssc.com to explore the opportunity ahead of this important milestone.