Ballard’s new women’s USL W soccer team is here: Salmon Bay FC

Meghan Walker Ballard

There’s a new women’s soccer team in Ballard—Salmon Bay FC will kick off its inaugural season in 2025.

The founders of Ballard FC started Salmon Bay FC. In a statement from the team, they said they chose “Salmon Bay FC” because of how the Salmon Bay waterway connects Ballard to the rest of Seattle and the Puget Sound.

“Salmon Bay has long been a vital connection between Seattle and the wider world, much like how we envision our team connecting local talent to the broader landscape of women’s soccer,” Salmon Bay FC vice president Tiffany Mallick said in the statement.

“By choosing this name, we’re not just representing a geographical area, but embodying the spirit of connection, transition, and growth that Salmon Bay symbolizes. We’re creating a platform where women athletes can thrive and where the community can come together to support the advancement of women’s soccer,” Mallick said.

Salmon Bay FC, which will use Interbay Stadium as its home base, has backers from professional women’s soccer players including Seattle Reign FC club owner and captain Lauren Barnes and other women in Seattle sports and the business community.

“We’re thrilled to invite our community to be part of Salmon Bay FC from day one,” Barnes said. “The response since we first announced that a USL W team is coming to Ballard has been overwhelming, and now fans can show their support in tangible ways.”

Salmon Bay FC merchandise is now available to buy, and the team is already selling season tickets for its 2025 season.

Photo: Ballard FC