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Guide to DC's Sports Scene

Cheer on Washington, DC’s sports teams all year long

In Washington, DC, sports aren't just a pastime. They're a legacy passed down, a culture that welcomes all with open arms and an integral part of the city's fabric as the Sports Capital of the U.S.

Read on to explore DC’s professional teams, collegiate teams and more across baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, rugby, ultimate and volleyball.

Jump to: Nationals | Spirit | United | Capitals | Commanders | Mystics | Wizards | Defenders | Go-Go | Breeze | Old Glory | Universities | New: DC Flight

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals

Venue: Nationals Park
Neighborhood: Navy Yard
Season: March through September, with postseason in October

See Major League Baseball at this state-of-the-art stadium, set against the backdrop of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument (with views available from several sections). Don’t just come to see the 2019 World Series champions – other special guests include the famous Racing Presidents, who appear between the top and bottom of every fourth inning. Check the promotional schedule before you go and get tickets for 20% off with the code VISITDC.
 

 

Washington Capitals

Venue: Capital One Arena
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter/Chinatown
Season: October through April, with playoffs through June

When things cool down, head to Capital One Arena to watch the Washington Capitals take the ice. The 2018 Stanley Cup champions are led by captain Alex Ovechkin, who passed Wayne Gretzky in 2025 to become the NHL’s all-time regular-season goals leader. You’ll see fans Rocking the Red throughout the neighborhood on game days. Explore ticket options for an up-close look at the action. Any section is a treat: there are no “bad seats” for a Caps game.
 

 

Photo of soccer player in yellow kicking toward goal, defended by blue-uniform player, packed crowd

© Washington Spirit

Washington Spirit

Venue: Audi Field
Neighborhood: Buzzard Point – Southwest & The Wharf
Season: March through Nov.

The Washington Spirit are an immense source of pride for the city. In addition to winning the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) championship, the Spirit reached back-to-back championship matches in 2024 and 2025. The Spirit's talented roster includes 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan and Trinity Rodman.

Read our complete guide to the team, its traditions and other need-to-know info before you catch a match. 
 

 

D.C. United

D.C. United

D.C. United

Venue: Audi Field
Neighborhood: Buzzard Point – Southwest & The Wharf
Season: February through November, with playoffs into December

D.C. United is one of Major League Soccer's most decorated clubs, with four MLS Cups and the 1998 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, which made it the first U.S. club to win the continental title. To maximize your experience, snag a seat in the Chico Stand, home to the club’s official supporters’ groups, including the Screaming Eagles, Barra Brava and District Ultras. Chants, songs and flags – in both English and Spanish – rock the stadium for every game. Grab some tickets and enjoy one of the best sporting atmospheres in DC.
 

 

A packed stadium during a Washington Commanders football game, with fans filling the stands and players on the field at FedExField.

Washington Commanders

Venue: Northwest Stadium (Landover, Md.)
Season: August through January, including preseason

DC stands awash in burgundy and gold during football season, when the beloved Washington Commanders take the field. Winners of three Super Bowls, the team is led by head coach Dan Quinn. In 2024, Quinn guided Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991 season. Browse official ticket options and check out our guide for a few reasons to "raise hail."
 

 

Washington Wizards

Venue: Capital One Arena
Neighborhood: Penn Quarter & Chinatown
Season: October through April, with playoffs through June

Head to a Washington Wizards basketball game to see NBA stars in action. With plenty of ticket options, you can find the setup that works best for you. The arena is centrally located in DC’s bustling Penn Quarter & Chinatown neighborhood, making it easy to grab dinner, explore a museum or relax with a nightcap at one of the neighborhood’s buzzworthy bars.
 

 

Washington Mystics

Venue: CareFirst Arena
Neighborhood: Congress Heights
Season: May through September, with playoffs into October

The 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics are one of the city’s most exciting draws. Their championship was the first WNBA title in franchise history. Head to Mystics Ticket Central to plan an evening of hoops-themed fun.
 

 

DC Defenders

DC Defenders/UFL

DC Defenders

Venue: Audi Field
Neighborhood: Buzzard Point – Southwest & The Wharf
Season: March through June

Head to Audi Field to catch the 2025 United Football League (UFL) champions in action. Fan Fests, the famous beer snake and a growing fan base, among other reasons, make for a full-day excursion. The longest reported beer snake contained 1,240 cups, enough to reach the top of the stadium. Shields Up!
 

 

Capital City Go-Go 

Venue: CareFirst Arena
Neighborhood: Congress Heights
Season: November through March, with playoffs in April

The Capital City Go-Go are the Washington Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate, offering the chance to see future NBA talent in a highly competitive environment. The team’s name honors DC’s homegrown, officially designated music genre, and select games feature live bands. Check the schedule and explore ticket options for the upcoming season.


 

DC Power FC

Venue: Audi Field
Neighborhood: Buzzard Point, Southwest & The Wharf
Season: August through December in 2026

DC’s professional women’s soccer scene welcomed DC Power FC in 2024. The club competes in the Gainbridge Super League and plays its home matches at Audi Field. The league will transition to a spring-to-fall calendar beginning in 2027. Check the official schedule before planning your visit.

 

DC Breeze

Venue: Catholic University
Neighborhood: Brookland
Season: April through August

The Breeze has competed in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) for over a decade, making the playoffs routinely and ranked within the top five teams since 2021. Get a taste of this dynamic sport when the team plays at home on Catholic University's Carlini Field. Game days are a go-to for sports fans looking for a laid-back environment and family-friendly feel. Kids under 12 enter for free. 
 

 

DC Flight 

Venue: To be announced
Season: January through May, beginning in 2027

DC’s newest Major League Volleyball (MLV) franchise is set to begin play in 2027, becoming the fourth professional women’s sports team in the Washington market. DC will compete in MLV’s Eastern Conference as the league expands to 12 teams. Stay tuned for the home venue, schedule and more details about this new chapter in DC’s sports scene.
 

Old Glory DC

Venue: George Mason Stadium (Fairfax, Va.)
Season: April through June

Catch Major League Rugby in the DC area with Old Glory DC, the DC-area's professional rugby team. The club was founded in 2018 by longtime DC-area residents and rugby players Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy. Explore the schedule and purchase tickets for a match at George Mason Stadium.
 

 

DC College Sports

DC’s sports scene goes beyond professional action, with NCAA competition taking place throughout the academic year. Explore each school’s athletics calendar for current schedules and ticket information.

American University Eagles – NCAA Division I as a member of the Patriot League

The Catholic University of America Cardinals – NCAA Division III

Georgetown University Hoyas – NCAA Division I, Big East Conference

George Washington University Revolutionaries – NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference

Howard University Bison – NCAA Division I, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

Gallaudet University Bison – The football huddle traces its history to Gallaudet in 1894, when quarterback Paul Hubbard gathered his teammates so an opposing Deaf team could not read their signed plays.

University of the District of Columbia Firebirds – NCAA Division II

University of Maryland Terrapins, College Park – NCAA Division I, Big Ten Conference
 

Make sure to check out our events calendar for other exciting entertainment in the District.

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