If you haven’t been paying attention to the NBA since 2019, you probably still think of the Dubs as an Oakland team. It makes sense. They spent nearly half a century in the East Bay, forging a "We Believe" identity that felt inseparable from the grit of Oracle Arena. But honestly, if you hop in an Uber today and ask to go to the Warriors game, the driver is heading straight for the water in San Francisco.
As of 2026, the Golden State Warriors call San Francisco their home. Specifically, they play at the Chase Center, a billion-dollar masterpiece tucked into the Mission Bay neighborhood. It’s a far cry from the concrete corridors of the old Coliseum, but the transition has been anything but a simple change of address.
The Long Road to San Francisco
The Warriors didn't just sprout from California soil. They were born in Philadelphia in 1946. Wilt Chamberlain? He was dropping 100 points as a Philly Warrior. It wasn't until 1962 that Franklin Mieuli bought the team and moved them out west, rebranding them as the San Francisco Warriors.
Wait. San Francisco?
Yep.
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Before the long stint in Oakland, the team actually started in "The City." They played at the Cow Palace in Daly City and the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. They were nomads for a while, bouncing around the Bay before officially settling in Oakland in 1971. That’s when the name changed to the Golden State Warriors. The owners wanted to represent the entire state, even playing a few "home" games in San Diego to drive the point home.
What City is the Golden State Warriors Located in Now?
The move back across the bridge in 2019 was a massive business pivot. While Oakland fans were—and still are—rightfully heartbroken, the lure of a privately financed arena in the heart of the tech boom was too much for ownership to ignore.
The Chase Center sits at 1 Warriors Way. It’s right on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by the "Thrive City" district which is basically a high-end playground of bars, restaurants, and retail. It’s a stark contrast to the industrial surroundings of their former home.
- Location: Mission Bay, San Francisco.
- Arena: Chase Center (18,064 capacity).
- Vibe: Modern, upscale, and incredibly expensive.
If you’re trying to catch a game, you’re looking at a tech-heavy crowd. The "Oracle roar" hasn't quite translated perfectly to the new acoustics of the Chase Center, but the winning culture of the Steph Curry era certainly traveled well across the Bay Bridge.
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The Identity Crisis: Oakland vs. San Francisco
There is a real tension when you ask what city is the golden state warriors because the team’s soul still feels rooted in Oakland. For 47 years, the East Bay provided the loudest, most loyal fan base in the league. When the team moved, many felt it was a betrayal of the blue-collar roots that defined the franchise during the lean years.
San Francisco represents the "new" Warriors—the global brand, the dynasty, and the Silicon Valley influence. It’s shiny. It’s new. It’s successful. But it lacks the "unlovely yet beloved" charm that The Guardian once noted about the old Oracle Arena.
The team still tries to honor its roots. You’ll see "The Town" jerseys and "Oakland" court designs occasionally. But make no mistake: tax-wise and geographically, they are a San Francisco entity.
Getting There and Experiencing the Game
If you're visiting for a game in 2026, don't even think about driving. Parking at Chase Center is a nightmare unless you have a corporate account. Most locals take the T Third Street Muni line, which drops you literally at the front door.
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- Public Transit: Your game ticket acts as your Muni pass for the day. This is a huge perk that most people forget.
- The Food: Forget standard stadium nachos. You’re looking at Bakesale Betty’s fried chicken sandwiches and Sam’s Chowder House.
- The View: The windows at the upper levels look out over the water. It’s gorgeous.
The Golden State Warriors are the only team in the NBA that doesn't use a city or state name in their title. This was a tactical choice in the 70s to avoid being pinned down to one spot. Now, it serves as a convenient bridge between their storied past in Oakland and their high-priced future in San Francisco.
Quick Facts for the Real Fans
The Warriors have actually played in multiple cities throughout their history. Check out the timeline:
- 1946–1962: Philadelphia (The Philadelphia Warriors)
- 1962–1971: San Francisco (The San Francisco Warriors)
- 1971–2019: Oakland (The Golden State Warriors)
- 2019–Present: San Francisco (The Golden State Warriors)
It’s a full circle. They started in the Bay on the SF side, moved across the water to build a legend, and then returned to cash in on it.
To experience the current era of the team, head to the Mission Bay waterfront. Grab a drink at one of the spots in Thrive City before tip-off. If you want a taste of the old energy, you might have to look a bit harder in the new arena, but the banners hanging from the rafters tell the story of every city they've called home.
Actionable Insights for Game Day:
If you are planning to visit the Chase Center, use the Muni T-Third line to save about $50 on parking. Check the Thrive City schedule before you go; they often have free outdoor screenings or live music on the big screen in the plaza, which is a great way to soak in the atmosphere without paying for a nosebleed seat. If you're coming from the East Bay, the ferry service to Pier 48 is the most scenic (and least stressful) way to get to the game.