Sports Teams in Virginia: Professional & Amateur Directory
Virginia boasts a rich sporting landscape with professional, collegiate, and amateur teams across a wide range of sports. From the NFL's Washington Commanders to minor league baseball clubs and top-tier college programs, the state offers sports enthusiasts numerous options to enjoy live athletic competition. This comprehensive directory provides information on Virginia's notable sports teams, their venues, and what makes them special parts of the commonwealth's sporting heritage.
Virginia's Sporting Excellence
Virginia is home to top-tier professional franchises, nationally recognized collegiate athletic programs, and a thriving amateur sports scene. The state's teams compete in world-class facilities like Nationals Park in Arlington, John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, and Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. Whether you're looking for major league action or community-based competitions, Virginia offers sporting events for every fan.
Did you know? Virginia hosts teams in all five major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS) within its borders or in the immediate Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Explore Sports VenuesProfessional Sports Teams
Virginia hosts and shares several major professional sports franchises, with teams competing at the highest levels of American sports. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area provides Virginia residents with access to teams from all major leagues, while the state itself hosts numerous minor league and development teams.
Washington Commanders
ProfessionalLocation: Ashburn, VA (headquarters & training facility)
Venue: FedExField (Landover, MD)
The Washington Commanders (NFL) maintain their headquarters and practice facilities in Ashburn, Virginia. Though they play home games in Maryland, the team is deeply connected to the Virginia community with many players and staff residing in the state.
Washington Nationals
ProfessionalLocation: Washington, D.C.
Venue: Nationals Park
The Washington Nationals (MLB) are the region's Major League Baseball team. While their stadium is in Washington D.C., many Virginia residents are passionate fans. The team won the World Series championship in 2019.
Washington Capitals
ProfessionalLocation: Arlington, VA (practice facility)
Venue: Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)
The Washington Capitals (NHL) maintain their practice facility, MedStar Capitals Iceplex, in Arlington, Virginia. The team won the Stanley Cup in 2018 and has a strong fan base throughout Northern Virginia.
Washington Wizards
ProfessionalLocation: Washington, D.C.
Venue: Capital One Arena
The Washington Wizards (NBA) represent the region in professional basketball. Their games are easily accessible to Northern Virginia residents and the team often hosts community events throughout the DMV area.
Minor League & Development Teams
Virginia is home to numerous minor league teams that provide affordable family entertainment and serve as development opportunities for rising athletic talent:
| Team Name | Sport | League | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk Tides | Baseball | Triple-A East (Orioles affiliate) | Norfolk | Harbor Park |
| Richmond Flying Squirrels | Baseball | Double-A Northeast (Giants affiliate) | Richmond | The Diamond |
| Fredericksburg Nationals | Baseball | Low-A East (Nationals affiliate) | Fredericksburg | Virginia Credit Union Stadium |
| Salem Red Sox | Baseball | Low-A East (Red Sox affiliate) | Salem | Salem Memorial Ballpark |
| Loudoun United FC | Soccer | USL Championship | Leesburg | Segra Field |
| Richmond Kickers | Soccer | USL League One | Richmond | City Stadium |
Collegiate Sports Teams
Virginia is home to prestigious collegiate athletic programs that compete at the highest levels of NCAA competition. From ACC powerhouses to historically significant programs, the state's universities offer outstanding spectator experiences.
University of Virginia Cavaliers
CollegiateLocation: Charlottesville
Venues: Scott Stadium (football), John Paul Jones Arena (basketball)
UVA competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has won national championships in men's basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, and other sports. The Cavaliers are known for their academic and athletic excellence.
Virginia Tech Hokies
CollegiateLocation: Blacksburg
Venues: Lane Stadium (football), Cassell Coliseum (basketball)
Virginia Tech competes in the ACC and is renowned for its football program, "Enter Sandman" entrance tradition, and passionate fan base. The Hokies have strong programs across numerous sports.
Liberty University Flames
CollegiateLocation: Lynchburg
Venues: Williams Stadium (football), Liberty Arena (basketball)
Liberty competes as an FBS Independent in football and in the ASUN Conference for most other sports. The program has made significant investments in athletic facilities and has emerged as a competitive force in NCAA Division I.
Old Dominion University Monarchs
CollegiateLocation: Norfolk
Venues: S.B. Ballard Stadium (football), Chartway Arena (basketball)
ODU competes in the Sun Belt Conference and has strong basketball traditions. The university revived its football program in 2009 after a long hiatus and has built impressive modern facilities.
Other Notable Collegiate Programs
| University | Nickname | Conference | Location | Notable Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | Dukes | Sun Belt Conference | Harrisonburg | Bridgeforth Stadium |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Rams | Atlantic 10 Conference | Richmond | Siegel Center |
| George Mason University | Patriots | Atlantic 10 Conference | Fairfax | EagleBank Arena |
| William & Mary | Tribe | Colonial Athletic Association | Williamsburg | Zable Stadium |
| Norfolk State University | Spartans | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference | Norfolk | Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall |
| University of Richmond | Spiders | Colonial Athletic Association | Richmond | Robins Stadium |
Amateur & Community Sports Teams
Virginia supports a vibrant amateur sports scene with numerous teams competing in structured leagues across the state. These organizations provide competitive opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Virginia Squires Basketball Club
AmateurLocation: Richmond
Various Venues
A competitive amateur basketball organization that participates in regional tournaments and develops youth talent through structured programs and coaching.
Northern Virginia Rugby Club
AmateurLocation: Northern Virginia
Various Venues
One of the oldest rugby clubs in the mid-Atlantic region, offering competition for men and women in various divisions and age groups. The club promotes rugby development throughout the region.
Virginia Beach City FC
AmateurLocation: Virginia Beach
Venue: Powhatan Field
A semi-professional soccer club competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The team provides a platform for talented players to continue developing in a competitive environment.
Central Virginia United
AmateurLocation: Charlottesville
Various Venues
A youth soccer organization offering competitive travel teams and developmental programs for players throughout Central Virginia. The club competes in state and regional tournaments.
Youth Sports Organizations
Virginia boasts numerous youth sports organizations that provide structured athletic opportunities for children and teenagers across the state. These programs focus on skill development, teamwork, and healthy competition:
- Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) - Governing body for youth soccer in Virginia with over 140,000 participants
- Virginia AAU Basketball - Competitive basketball leagues and tournaments for youth players
- Virginia Little League Baseball - Organized baseball leagues for children across the state
- Virginia Youth Football and Cheer League - Youth football programs emphasizing safety and skill development
- Virginia Swimming - USA Swimming's Local Swimming Committee for Virginia with clubs throughout the state
- Virginia Lacrosse League - Youth lacrosse programs for boys and girls
Explore Virginia's Sports Facilities
Looking to watch these teams in action or find a venue for your own sporting activities? Evergreen SportsPlex provides comprehensive information on Virginia's best athletic facilities, from professional stadiums to community fields.
Whether you're interested in attending a game, booking practice time, or organizing a tournament, we can help connect you with the perfect sports venue in Virginia.