San Francisco Nighthawks

What San Francisco Nighthawks does

San Francisco Nighthawks Women's Soccer Club is a 501(c)(3) non-profit women's soccer organization founded in 1995 by Dick Cross and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. The club operates a multi-team competitive platform, fielding rosters across five concurrent leagues: WPSL Premier and WPSL Division 2 in the Women's Premier Soccer League, the Golden Gate Women's Soccer League (GGWSL Premier plus Hawks FC in 1st Division), and US Futsal. Home matches have historically been played at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park, with 2026 WPSL Summer matches expanding to San Mateo High School and Burlingame High School. The organization serves Bay Area female soccer players from high school through professional pathways, with alumni advancing to collegiate, professional, and international careers including four players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. The free-to-play model removes financial barriers to participation and is explicitly inclusive regardless of age, race, identity, socio-economic background, education, or previous club affiliation.

The club's technology footprint is modest: a Squarespace-hosted website with integrated cart, contact forms, and donation/adoption pages, complemented by Instagram, Facebook, and Venmo (@sf-nighthawks) for community engagement and payments. Custom functions include a tiered 'Adopt-a-Club' sponsorship platform ($100 athletic trainer support to $25,000 uniform sponsor) and a vehicle donation integration via CARS (careasy.org) that issues Blue Book-value receipts. No mobile app, API, or proprietary software platform is disclosed.

Revenue is generated through a mix of corporate sponsorships (Platinum tier: Zenni Eyewear, Park Merced; Gold: Boardsi; Community: ~8 hospitality, retail, and government partners), individual donations and Adopt-a-Club contributions, vehicle donations, replica and anniversary jersey merchandise sales, and event-driven fundraising (beer tastings, wine tastings, Pride Night). Match ticketing is largely free admission. Governance is exercised through a volunteer Board of Directors, with operational leadership provided by General Manager Jill Lounsbury and Head Coach Ash Watson; the organization has no disclosed full-time employees.

Name

San Francisco Nighthawks

Legal name

San Francisco Nighthawks Women's Soccer Club

Website

https://sfnighthawks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

San Francisco Nighthawks is a Bay Area 501(c)(3) non-profit women's soccer club founded in 1995, fielding multiple teams across WPSL, GGWSL, and US Futsal. It offers free-to-play competitive opportunities to female athletes and funds operations through sponsorships, donations, merchandise, and community events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Amateur Soccer

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (71121), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events (7113)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAKACAE

Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Collegiate & Amateur Sports Organizations (NCAA, Federations, Clubs)

SECONDARYMPAKAKAK

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Management & Promotion Services

Keywords

• Amateur women's soccer
• Community sports club
• Nonprofit athletics
• Soccer fundraising programs
• Youth player development

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate sponsorships: Tiered sponsorship program (Platinum: Zenni Eyewear, Park Merced; Gold: Boardsi; Community Partners: Mission Blue, Cole Valley Tavern, Golden Boot Academy, Elks Lodge, Ice Cream Bar, Kezar Pub, Pac-Catch, SF Park & Rec). Provides recurring and one-time sponsorship income.
2. Individual donations and 'Adopt-a-Club' contributions: Donations accepted via Venmo (@sf-nighthawks) and tiered adoption program ($100 athletic trainer support up to $25,000 uniform sponsorship). Includes recurring and one-time gifts.
3. Vehicle donations: Donated cars/vans processed through CARS program provide Blue Book value, less program costs, to the club. Donors receive tax-deductible receipts.
4. Merchandise sales (jerseys): Direct sale of replica jerseys and 30 Year Anniversary jerseys via website order forms and Facebook.
5. Fundraising events: Beer tastings (e.g., June 13 at Elks Lodge, 450 Post St), Wine Tasting Fundraisers, and other community events generate revenue.
6. Match ticket sales: Ticket sales for home matches (some events free admission, including Pride Night and China WNT friendly).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The San Francisco Nighthawks operates a multi-tier women's amateur soccer club fielding concurrent competitive teams in the WPSL Premier, WPSL Division 2, GGWSL Premier, GGWSL 1st Division (Hawks FC), and US Futsal. Around this core athletic offering, the club sells branded merchandise (replica and 30 Year Anniversary jerseys) and runs ancillary fundraising programs including the Adopt-a-Club tiered sponsorship ($100 to $25,000) and a tax-deductible vehicle donation program through CARS, sustaining a free-to-play model for athletes.

Product overview

San Francisco Nighthawks is a non-profit women's soccer organization founded in 1995 that operates a multi-team competitive soccer platform rather than a single product. The core offering is a women's soccer club fielding four competitive rosters that play concurrently in different leagues and tiers: the WPSL Premier Team and WPSL Division 2 Team in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL Pacific Conference, North Division), the SF Nighthawks GGWSL Premier Team, and Hawks FC (GGWSL 1st Division) in the Golden Gate Women's Soccer League, plus a US Futsal squad. Around this core athletic platform, the club sells merchandise (Replica Jersey and 30 Year Anniversary Jersey) and runs ancillary fundraising/community programs including the Adopt-a-Club Sponsorship Program and the Vehicle Donation Program, while maintaining an Alumni Network that tracks former players advancing to collegiate, professional, and international careers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nighthawks Elite SF U-21: Under-21 youth/elite team associated with the SF Nighthawks program.

Products and services

• SF Nighthawks WPSL Premier Team The club's top-tier squad competing in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), North Division of the Pacific Conference; fielding the summer roster of competitive women's soccer players.
• SF Nighthawks WPSL Division 2 Team

Quantifiable outcome

• 2022 WPSL Pacific North Division Championship / Playoffs qualification
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, minor and moderate.

• Zenni EyewearflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level corporate sponsor of the SF Nighthawks Women's Soccer Club. Logo prominently displayed on the homepage, sponsors page, and likely jersey/merchandise. Treated as a flagship sponsor given top-tier placement.
• Park MercedflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level corporate sponsor. Co-hosts community marketplace events (Park Merced MarketPlace) where Nighthawks run fan-engagement booths; tag @parkmerced in social posts.
• BoardsicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level corporate sponsor. Boardsi (@official.boardsi) is referenced across club social media and community event posts.
• Mission BlueminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor. Logo displayed on the community partners section of the sponsors page.
• Cole Valley TavernminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor — local San Francisco bar/restaurant supporting the club's community presence.
• Golden Boot AcademycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor and player-development academy. Supports youth-to-adult pipeline for the Nighthawks.
• Elks Lodge (SF Elks Lodge)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor that hosts beer tasting fundraising events at its 450 Post St location and co-hosts the annual blood drive with the SF Nighthawks and SF Giants.
• Ice Cream BarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor — San Francisco restaurant/ice cream venue.
• Kezar PubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor — local pub near Kezar Stadium; relevant given proximity to the club's home venue.
• Pac-Catch / Pacific CatchcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor; co-hosted a fundraiser game (June 27, 2023 — SF Elite @ SF Nighthawks fundraiser with Pacific Catch).
• SF Park & ReccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Partner sponsor and government partner. 'SF Rec & Park Day' is a recurring themed home game (May 25, 2024) celebrating the partnership.
• Sisters of Perpetual IndulgencecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Pride Night co-host at Kezar Stadium. During halftime of the women's double-header on July 18th, the Sisters read stories to the audience in recognition of Pride Month. Recurring partnership during Pride Month each year.
• SF City FCflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the annual Pride Night double-header at Kezar Stadium, with SF City FC taking the 3:00 PM kickoff and SF Nighthawks hosting at 5:30 PM. Also co-hosts MUNI Day double-headers. The two clubs share the Kezar Stadium venue and joint promotional tie-ins.
• SF GiantsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-participates with the Nighthawks and Elks Lodge in the 'Give Blood, Be a Hero' community blood drive.
• SF Elite Academy (SFEA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlayer-pipeline partner that fields a co-branded Nighthawks Elite SF U-21 team. Provides talent pipeline into the Nighthawks senior squads; tagged @sfeliteacademy across social media and present at events like the U-21 game presented by SageCenters at Paul Goode in the Presidio.
• Burrito BravaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal supporter — provides the club's flag and ongoing community support.
• SageCentersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor/presenter of the Nighthawks Elite SF U-21 Game at Paul Goode (Presidio) on game day.
• San Mateo High SchoolminorOthersHome venue partner for 2026 WPSL Summer matches on May 31 and June 7 at San Mateo High School.
• Burlingame High SchoolminorOthersHome venue partner for 2026 WPSL Summer matches on June 4 and June 11 at Burlingame High School.
• China Women's National Team (WNT)moderateOthersHosted a friendly match against the SF Nighthawks on July 31, 2022 at 4 PM at Kezar Stadium. Free admission for all.
• Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL)flagshipOthersFounding member of the WPSL, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. Competes in the North Division of the Pacific Conference. League organizes schedule and playoffs.
• Golden Gate Women's Soccer League (GGWSL)flagshipOthersOperates Premier and 1st Division teams (Hawks FC) in the GGWSL, a Bay Area women's amateur soccer league.
• US FutsalminorOthersOperates a futsal team within the US Futsal federation.
• Bayview UnitedminorOthersCharity fundraiser game partner — the May 21, 2023 FC Davis @ SF Nighthawks match was a charity fundraiser for Bayview United.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• East Bay Phoenix: GGWSL Premier competitor documented on the SF Nighthawks' fall schedule. Direct peer operating at the same competitive amateur tier in the East Bay.
• MVLA Wolves: WPSL opponent documented across multiple seasons against SF Nighthawks. Operates as a comparable amateur women's soccer program in the Northern California competitive market.
• Marin FC: Bay Area women's soccer club listed as a WPSL opponent for SF Nighthawks. Operates in the same regional competitive ecosystem and competes for similar amateur talent and fan attention.
• SF City FC: Bay Area men's semi-pro soccer club that shares Kezar Stadium with SF Nighthawks and co-hosts recurring double-header events (Pride Night, MUNI Day). Operates as a direct comparable in community-led, Bay-Area-rooted amateur soccer with overlapping sponsor and venue footprint.
• Miss Kick FC: WPSL opponent that faced SF Nighthawks in the 2022 WPSL West Regional Semifinals. Direct on-field peer competing in the same WPSL Pacific Conference postseason tier.
• California Storm: WPSL Pacific Conference club and direct on-field competitor; appeared against SF Nighthawks in the WPSL Pacific Conference Final in 2019. Operates a comparable amateur, multi-tier women's soccer platform with similar competitive positioning.
• Olympic Club: Historic Bay Area athletic club whose women's soccer team competes against SF Nighthawks in the GGWSL. Comparable amateur, multi-sport community club structure with shared venue footprint.
• Fresno FC: WPSL opponent documented as a recurring competitor. Comparable amateur women's soccer club operating within the WPSL Pacific Conference footprint.
• San Ramon FC: WPSL opponent on the SF Nighthawks' historical and current schedule. Comparable amateur women's soccer club operating in the broader Bay Area / Northern California region.

Broad incumbents

• Bay FC: Bay Area-based NWSL expansion club that competes for the same regional women's soccer fan base, sponsor pool, and elite-player pipeline as SF Nighthawks. Operates at a professional tier rather than amateur, but shapes the broader Bay Area women's soccer market in which the Nighthawks compete.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/wearenighthawks
• Instagraminstagram.com/sfnighthawks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sfnighthawks

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Nighthawks