Bay Area Icons Too Short and Billie Joe Armstrong Join Oakland Ballers Ownership
In a move that further cements the Oakland Ballers as a deeply rooted community team, two legendary Bay Area musicians—rapper Too Short and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong—have joined the team’s ownership group. The announcement was made Wednesday as the Ballers launched a new round of community investment, inviting fans to purchase a stake in the team.
This isn’t just a symbolic partnership. Too Short and Armstrong are local figures who have long championed Oakland and the broader Bay Area. Their involvement follows a strong inaugural season for the Ballers, who stepped in to fill the sports void left by the Oakland A’s departure for Sacramento, ahead of the A’s planned move to Las Vegas.
Last summer, over 2,200 fans invested a total of $1.234 million into the Ballers. The team’s presence has already made waves in West Oakland, consistently drawing large crowds to the refurbished 4,000-seat Raimondi Park. With over $1.6 million invested in renovating the park, the Ballers have become more than just a team—they're a revitalizing force in the neighborhood.
Too Short, born Todd Anthony Shaw, is no stranger to building from the ground up. From selling tapes out of his car to becoming one of the most influential voices in hip-hop, his journey mirrors the DIY ethos of the Ballers themselves. “Oakland has produced some of the best athletes and sports fans in the world,” he said in the press release. “I’m proud to be joining the Ballers ownership group, and excited for the impact we’re going to have on the community and the overall sports landscape in the Bay Area and beyond!”
Billie Joe Armstrong, who’s never been shy about his love for Oakland, was openly critical of the A’s ownership as they prepared to leave the city. His investment in the Ballers comes alongside his praise for Oakland’s growing sports culture, including support for the Oakland Roots SC and their sister team, the Oakland Soul SC. “The welcoming atmosphere, DIY attitude and the people behind it make me proud to be an investor,” he said.
With these hometown legends joining the fold, the Ballers are reinforcing their message loud and clear: Oakland sports still have heart, soul, and a loyal community behind them.
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