The 2025 NWSL Championship is coming to the Bay Area’s backyard at PayPal Park.
Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit will compete for the NWSL Championship trophy on Bay FC’s home turf this Saturday, Nov. 22, bringing the biggest night in women’s soccer directly to the Bay Area. Though Bay FC won’t be on the pitch, the club is honored to host a championship weekend celebrating the world-class athletes and passionate fans who make this moment possible.
Before the trophy is hoisted on Saturday night, the weekend will provide opportunities for fans to meet and celebrate alongside the league’s finest players.
Friday, Nov. 21 – NWSL Skills Challenge Featuring Racheal Kundananji
The weekend begins with one of the most watched events in league history. The third annual NWSL Skills Challenge will be held at Spartan Soccer Complex at San José State University on Friday, Nov. 21. Bay FC has some extra rooting interest this year with the club’s very own Racheal Kundananji in the competition.
Three contests decide who walks away with $30,000 in prize money:
- Gauntlet: one player tries to score on five mini goals against four defenders, the smallest goal is worth the most points and vice versa, and if a goal lights up, any points scored are worth double at that time.
- Relay Rumble: three-part relay race including agility poles, tire runs, and a giant skee-ball chip shot where teams compete to earn as many points as they can within five minutes.
- Crossbar Challenge: players try to hit the crossbar from 18 yards out, and when they reach five total points, they go to the “Championship Zone” 36 yards out, one more crossbar connection makes said team Skills Challenge champions.
Kundananji will go head-to-head with some of the NWSL’s most skilled players: Riley Tiernan (Angel City FC), Ally Schlegel (Chicago Red Stars), Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC) and Carson Pickett (Orlando Pride).
Grab tickets to the NWSL Skills Challenge.
Saturday, Nov. 22 – FanFest at PayPal Park (12–4 PM)
Before kickoff, fans are invited to enjoy NWSL FanFest, a free celebration at The Lot at Creekside (140 S Montgomery St, San Jose), just three miles from PayPal Park. Complimentary shuttles will run between both locations before and after the match.
Experience live music, interactive games and opportunities to meet NWSL players. Those in attendance for the admission-free event can expect the following:
Engage with Players:
- Player signings and photo opportunities
- Meet-and-greets with NWSL stars
- Audio station to record messages for players
Join the Action:
- Free-Kick Challenge
- Interactive photo booths
- Prize giveaways throughout the day
Fuel Up & Gear Up:
- Food and beverage vendors
- Official NWSL Championship merchandise at the league truck
Connect with Bay FC’s Ticket Sales and Service team to get a preview of the 2026 season and pick up exclusive stickers. Plus, live sets from DJ Noodles and DJ Bitesize, along with a march led by the Bay FC Beats Drumline, will fuel the celebration from start to finish.
Don’t forget: FanFest is free, family-friendly and built for the community.
A NWSL Championship Worth Witnessing Up Close
Saturday night brings the NWSL Championship to PayPal Park, a rare opportunity to witness the league’s biggest match on the Bay Area’s home field.
Washington Spirit and Gotham FC will battle for the 2025 title. The Spirit, champions in 2021, advanced with a 2–0 victory over the Portland Thorns. Gotham also secured their spot with a dramatic stoppage-time free kick from Jaedyn Shaw to defeat defending champions Orlando Pride.
Bay FC fans have seen both finalists up close this season. The Spirit brought stars like Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune to Oracle Park on August 23 for a record-breaking match that drew over 40,000 fans. Now, the Spirit returns to the Bay for one final showcase of the season at PayPal Park.
Bay FC remained undefeated against Gotham FC earlier this season in a hard-fought draw at PayPal Park. Esther González and Rose Lavelle combined for Gotham’s opening goal of the match. But Racheal Kundananji answered with a long-range equalizer in the 68th minute, reminding everyone why she’s a dangerous goal-scorer in the league.
Many of these athletes have already left their mark in the Bay Area during this 2025 season, and this Championship weekend promises more iconic moments. Nov. 22 marks the first-time PayPal Park will host the NWSL Championship; don’t miss your chance to experience it live!
Grab tickets to the 2025 NWSL Championship today.
Quick Replay:
What is happening in the Bay Area this weekend?
The 2025 NWSL Championship is coming to PayPal Park in San Jose, bringing the league’s biggest match to the Bay Area.
Where is the 2025 NWSL Championship?
The 2025 NWSL Championship is at PayPal Park in San Jose.
What events are part of NWSL championship weekend?
Fans wondering what events are part of NWSL Championship weekend can hit the NWSL Skills Challenge at San José State and the free NWSL FanFest in downtown San Jose before the title match.
Who is playing in the NWSL Championship?
Washington Spirit and Gotham FC are playing in the NWSL Championship at Bay FC’s home stadium, PayPal Park.
How is Bay FC involved?
Bay FC is not playing, but the club is hosting the full championship weekend, welcoming fans and spotlighting top-level women’s soccer in the Bay Area.
