How Many Football Teams Are in California? (2025)

By Sarah Miller · January 4, 2031

California is home to 10 professional football teams--7 in the NFL and 3 in the USFL/UFL, plus numerous college programs. This guide breaks down all professional and major collegiate teams by league, city, and conference.

Professional Football Teams in California

California hosts a significant number of professional football teams across multiple leagues. The National Football League (NFL) has seven franchises based in the state, more than any other U.S. state. Additionally, alternative spring leagues such as the United Football League (UFL) also include California representation.

NFL Teams in California

The NFL currently operates with two teams based in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and one in the San Francisco Bay Area. These teams play in some of the most advanced stadiums in the world.

Los Angeles Rams--SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Los Angeles Chargers--SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
San Francisco 49ers--Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara

Past NFL teams from California include the Oakland Raiders, who relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.

Spring Leagues: USFL and UFL Teams

Though not part of the NFL, spring developmental leagues have included California teams. The United States Football League (USFL) and its successor, the UFL, featured regional markets including:

Los Angeles Wildcats (XFL, 2020 and 2023)
San Antonio Brahmas (originally Los Angeles Wildcats, rebranded after relocation)
California Redwoods (in the defunct Alliance of American Football, 2019)

As of 2025, no California team competes in the current UFL season, though fan interest remains strong.

Major College Football Programs in California

California boasts over 30 NCAA football programs across Division I (FBS and FCS), Division II, and Division III. The Pac-12 Conference historically dominated the landscape, but recent realignment has shifted many teams to new conferences.

FBS Programs (NCAA Division I)

These are the top-tier college football teams in the state:

University of Southern California (USC) -- Now in the Big Ten Conference
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) -- Joined the Big Ten in 2024
Stanford University -- Moving to the ACC in 2025
California Golden Bears (Cal) -- Also joining the ACC
San Diego State University -- Competing in the Mountain West, with plans to join the Pac-12

FCS and Lower Division Programs

Other notable programs include:

Sacramento State (Big Sky Conference)
UC Davis (Big Sky)
Cal Poly (Big Sky)
University of the Pacific (no longer sponsors football)

Many Division II and III schools also field competitive teams, particularly in the CCAA and SCIAC conferences.

Detailed Table of Professional and Major College Teams

Team	League	Location	Stadium	Conference (College)
Los Angeles Rams	NFL	Inglewood	SoFi Stadium	N/A
Los Angeles Chargers	NFL	Inglewood	SoFi Stadium	N/A
San Francisco 49ers	NFL	Santa Clara	Levi's Stadium	N/A
USC Trojans	NCAA FBS	Los Angeles	Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas for 2020-2022), now back at LA Memorial Coliseum	Big Ten
UCLA Bruins	NCAA FBS	Los Angeles	Rose Bowl Stadium	Big Ten
Stanford Cardinal	NCAA FBS	Stanford	Stanford Stadium	ACC (from 2025)
California Golden Bears	NCAA FBS	Berkeley	California Memorial Stadium	ACC (from 2025)
San Diego State Aztecs	NCAA FBS	San Diego	Snapdragon Stadium	MWC (joining Pac-12 in 2026?)
Sacramento State Hornets	NCAA FCS	Sacramento	SAFE Credit Union Stadium	Big Sky
UC Davis Aggies	NCAA FCS	Davis	UC Davis Health Stadium	Big Sky

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The table highlights that California maintains a diverse football presence across professional and collegiate levels. Three NFL teams anchor the pro scene, while major universities like USC and UCLA continue national competition despite conference realignment. The shift of key programs to the Big Ten and ACC reflects broader national trends in college athletics.

FAQs About Football Teams in California

How many NFL teams are currently in California?

There are three NFL teams in California: the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Are there any USFL or UFL teams in California?

As of the 2025 season, there are no active USFL or UFL teams based in California. The Los Angeles Wildcats competed in earlier spring leagues but have since been discontinued or relocated.

Which California colleges have Division I football teams?

Major D-I programs include USC, UCLA, Stanford, Cal, San Diego State, Sacramento State, UC Davis, and Cal Poly. Most compete in the FBS or FCS subdivisions.

Why did the Raiders leave California?

The Oakland Raiders relocated to Las Vegas in 2020 to gain a modern stadium (Allegiant Stadium) and stronger financial incentives, after years of seeking stadium upgrades in Oakland.

What is the oldest football team in California?

The San Francisco 49ers, founded in 1946 as part of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), are the oldest continuously operating professional football team in California.