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Photo of Nationals Park entrance with a crowd and large red NATs sign

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 learn about DC's nine professional franchises, plus its G League, rugby and collegiate teams. 

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

See Major League Baseball at the state-of-the-art Nationals Park in Capitol Riverfront. The stadium offers magnificent views of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument along with the 2019 World Series champions. Don’t miss the famous Presidents Race, which happens between the top and bottom of every fourth inning. Make sure to check the promotional schedule before you go. You can also get tickets for 20% off with the code VISITDC.
 

 

Washington Capitals

When things cool down for the winter months, be sure to catch Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson take the Capital One Arena ice for the Washington Capitals. The team has been particularly successful in recent years, bringing the city some of its best sports moments of the past decade, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018. You’ll see throngs of fans Rocking the Red near the Capital One Arena on game days. A ticket to 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

Audi Field is also home to the 2021 NWSL champions. The Spirit's talented roster includes 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury and Trinity Rodman. The team brings fierce competition to the field March through October. 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

Did you know that D.C. United is one of the most successful soccer teams in the country? Catch a game at the premier Audi Field and see why. Winners of four MLS Cups, the squad takes the field from March through October. Extra points if you sit in the particularly boisterous “Screamin’ Eagles” fan club section. Grab some tickets and enjoy one of the best sporting atmospheres in the area.
 

 

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

Washington Commanders

DC stands awash in burgundy and gold during football season, when the beloved Washington Commanders take to Northwest Stadium in nearby Landover, Md. Winners of three Super Bowls in their decorated history, the team is led by head coach Dan Quinn. The team’s loyal and raucous fan base means tickets can be hard to come by, but you can depend on Stubhub.com to provide options at different price points. Preseason games start in August and the regular season runs from September through December. Check out our guide for just a few reasons to "raise hail."
 

 

Washington Wizards

Head to Capital One Arena for 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, so after the game you can grab dinner, check out a museum or relax with a nightcap at one of the neighborhood’s buzzworthy bars. The season runs from October through April.
 

 

Washington Mystics

The 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics have become one of the most exciting draws in the city. The team calls the CareFirst Arena home from May through September. Head to Mystics Ticket Central to start planning an evening of hoops-themed fun.
 

 

DC Defenders

DC Defenders/UFL

DC Defenders

Head to Audi Field to catch the 2025 United Football League (UFL) champions in action. Fan Fests, beer snakes and a growing fan base, among other reasons, make for a full-day excursion. Shields Up!
 

 

Capital City Go-Go 

This NBA G-League team plays its home games at CareFirst Arena from November through March. You can watch future NBA talent in action in a highly competitive environment. Check out the schedule for the upcoming year and also know that season ticket memberships are available.
 

 

DC Breeze

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. April through August, 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 

In January 2027, the newest franchise in the Major League Volleyball (MLV) becomes the fourth professional women's sports team in the District. Stay tuned to learn more about this new chapter in DC's sports scene.
 

Old Glory DC

Catch Major League Rugby in the DC area from February through June. Pick up tickets to see Old Glory DC at the Maryland SoccerPlex in nearby Germantown, Md. 
 

 

DC College Sports

DC’s sports scene goes beyond professional action. Georgetown University’s basketball team, which plays in the Big East Conference, calls the Capital One Arena home, while George Washington University takes the floor at the Charles E. Smith Center as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference.

American University

Catholic University of America

Georgetown University

George Washington University

Howard University

Gallaudet University

University of the District of Columbia 

University of Maryland, College Park
 

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

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