The National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) witnessed a historic milestone on Saturday, as Bay FC hosted the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park, attracting a record-breaking sellout crowd of 40,091 spectators. This marks the second time Bay FC has been involved in setting an attendance record, previously contributing to last year`s then-highest figure (35,038) at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Having previously disrupted a major game in their debut season, Bay FC now holds the undisputed record for the most attended NWSL match. The Washington Spirit emerged victorious in the high-scoring affair, defeating Bay FC 3-2, with key goals from Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune.
In a statement, Bay FC emphasized the broader significance of this achievement: “Surpassing the NWSL attendance record is a monumental event that transcends this single game. It symbolizes the strong foundation we are establishing at Bay FC and the enduring legacy we aspire to create for upcoming generations of athletes and supporters. By challenging conventional limits today, we are actively defining the future trajectory of women`s football. We extend our sincere gratitude to every fan in the Bay Area for making this historic moment a reality.”
This unprecedented attendance figure not only stands as the highest in NWSL history since its inception in 2013 but also establishes a new benchmark for any women`s professional sports league in the United States.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the match result was a setback for Bay FC, prolonging their efforts to secure a playoff spot. Following week 17, the team currently trails the playoff threshold by four points. Conversely, the victory propelled the Washington Spirit into second place with 31 points, surpassing third-place San Diego Wave FC, who hold 29 points and have an upcoming game against Racing Louisville on Sunday.
Historical NWSL Attendance Records
- 40,091 at Oracle Park for Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit
- 35,038 at Wrigley Field for Chicago Red Stars vs. Bay FC in 2024
- 34,148 at Lumen Field for Seattle Reign vs. Washington Spirit in 2023
- 32,262 at Snapdragon Stadium for San Diego Wave vs. Seattle Reign in 2023
- 32,066 at Snapdragon Stadium for San Diego Wave vs. Kansas City Current in 2024
