Oakland- Professional football returns to the East Bay, as the Golden State Storm are set to make their home debut at Laney College today at 7:00 p.m.. The Storm, a professional women’s football team, will make their first appearance as the newest franchise to the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC).

The Storm makes Laney’s Dr. Bill Riley football field their home turf for three games of the 2026 season. The Storm will play six total regular season games this season.

According to Laney’s website, admission is free for Laney students, faculty, and staff for tonight’s game with a valid school ID.

Tonight, the Storm are set to face off against the San Diego Rebellion. Last season the Rebellion finished the regular season with a 6-0 record but lost in the second round of the WNFC playoffs.

While the region has long been a hub for football talent, the Storm represents the first time a professional women’s tackle organization has called Oakland home.

Led by Head Coach Dallas Hartwell, the team features an international 55-player roster of athletes, all competing in full contact games following National Collegiate Athletics Association guidelines.

As the first professional women’s tackle team in the Bay, the Storm fills a gap in the local sports landscape.

According to their website, The Storm’s mission is “to empower women and girls to thrive in football and create real opportunities in a sport that hasn’t always made space for us.”

Laney College Interim President Becky Opsata told The Citizen that “It’s great for our staff and students to have an event like this […] that everyone can enjoy and have a good time.”

Tickets are still available, and local fans are encouraged to wear “Storm Blue” to welcome the newest professional franchise to the town.