OSG is dedicated to celebrating and elevating Oakland’s vibrant and diverse sports culture, while championing the legacy of the Town of Titles. Our purpose is to attract bold new opportunities that unite, inspire, and remain deeply rooted in the community.

OSG invites anyone who loves Oakland Sports to a fan tailgate on Saturday, October 25^th.

(Oakland, Ca.) — Today, a collection of lifelong Oakland-based entrepreneurs launched the Oakland Sports Group (OSG), a new advocacy endeavor dedicated to celebrating and strengthening Oakland’s rich and diverse sports culture. OSG’s immediate mission is to support the championship legacy of Oakland’s athletic history by featuring its current sports landscape and venues, with a long-term goal of attracting new opportunities for world-class experiences to Oakland. 

“Oakland is a city of champions, and will always be a sports town,” said OSG Spokesperson Casey Pratt. “With the Oakland Sports Group, we’re bringing together the key stakeholders, cultural change-makers, and influencers who are committed to The Town. We welcome anyone who loves Oakland as much as we do to join us as we continue to deliver championships, community gathering opportunities, and a chance to create new memories together.”

OSG believes that sports have a transformational impact by creating culture, building community, and offering sustainable economic opportunities for all. 

“In the 1970s, when Oakland was winning multiple Super Bowls, World Series, and NBA Championships, this was the center of the sports universe. Those teams may have left, but Oakland still has the greatest fans in the world. Now The Town has experienced a new energy around community-driven pro sports with the Roots, Soul, and Ballers (recent Pioneer League Champions), and Oakland is perfectly positioned to welcome new opportunities from the sporting community at large,” said Ballers co-founders Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel.

"Oakland Sports history and legacy is second to none and honoring the past while paving the future is why Oakland Roots and Soul have the motto of Know Your Roots," said Oakland Roots and Soul SC President, Lindsay Barenz. “Together Oakland Sports Group and Oakland fans will continue to show why Oakland is a world class city with a deep sporting legacy."

The Oakland Sports Group member organizations stand ready to support each other and help elevate all sports events, leagues, and venues in Oakland and the surrounding East Bay Area. 

“From the stAy to the SELL movements, to supporting the Oakland Roots/Soul and Ballers from their inception, Oaklandish understands Oakland fan culture and its importance in weaving together the threads of community, especially in times of heightened isolation and divisiveness. Sports in Oakland is bigger than the games and teams themselves – they’re about belonging, identity, and the spirit of the Town. With Oakland Sports Group, we aim to pool our influence for the good of Oakland,” said Angela Tsay, CEO of Oaklandish.

“The Oakland Marathon believes movement builds community, and each year participants in the Marathon, Half, 10k, 5k and Kids Run do just that as they come together to showcase Oakland's vibrant neighborhoods, people, and culture on behalf of Eat. Learn. Play. and Oakland youth. We're honored to play whatever role we can in Oakland Sports Group's effort to showcase Oakland on an even larger scale," said Scott Anderson, Executive Director Oakland Marathon. 

Oakland Sports fandom and its uniqueness is why Oakland as a city is known around the world. From the history of the Black Hole to the modern fan, Oakland boasts a diverse and passionate fan base made up of a wide range of groups including, Last Dive Bar, Forever Oakland, Los Roots, Homegrown Hooligans, The Town Brigade and the Oakland 68’s who each bring their own flavor to The Town’s sporting events.

"I'm proud to support the launch of the Oakland Sports Group. Oakland has always been a sports city - from youth leagues to professional teams - and OSG will help strengthen that foundation,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “This is about building a sustainable sports ecosystem that works for our community, now and into the future."

“Our founding members are made up of team founders, front office executives, producers, non-profit leaders, marketers, and creatives,” added Pratt. “Oakland has always been at the forefront of sports and culture in the Bay Area, and as a big city on a major comeback, the time is now to build a sports committee that can showcase Oakland on the world stage.”

To mark its launch, the Oakland Sports Group will host a community tailgate event on Saturday, October 25th prior to the Oakland Roots’ final home game of the season at the Oakland Coliseum. The tailgate will be produced by OSG member organizations and hosted by the Oakland 68’s.

"The Oakland 68's are about building community through the love of Oakland Sports. From organizing watch parties and park clean ups to volunteering at the Alameda County Foodbank and tutoring our youth, the 68's are all about Our Teams. Our City. Forever. We are excited and proud to be one of the founding members,” said Oakland 68's President and Ballers Board Member Jorge Leon.

Launch Event: Tailgate on Saturday, October 25

 - What: Oakland Sports Group Launch Tailgate
 - When: October 25, 5-7pm
 - Where: Oakland Coliseum (H Lot next to The Function)
 - Look For: food, drink, and interactive events for all ages (under the OSG Banner)

Founding Members:

• Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club
• Oakland Ballers
• Oakland Marathon
• Oaklandish
• Oakland 68’s

About Oakland Sports Group

The Oakland Sports Group exists to champion and strengthen the city’s rich sports culture by supporting our current teams, preserving the legacy of Oakland’s athletic past, and attracting new opportunities that unite, inspire, and are rooted in our community. We are dedicated to ensuring Oakland remains a thriving home for sports at every level for generations to come.

Additional Information

Please visit www.oaklandsportsgroup.org to sign up for our newsletter or inquire about membership or partnership with Oakland Sports Group.

For media inquiries, please contact:
 Casey Pratt, Spokesperson
 Oakland Sports Group
 info@oaklandsportsgroup.org