Despite operating under the cloud of an active investigation into coach Albertin Montoya, Bay FC is outwardly projecting confidence and reassurance ahead of its season opener against Utah Royals

In April 2023, the Bay Area was awarded the NWSL's 15th franchise. Former Levi Strauss executive Brady Stewart was hired two months later as Bay FC's CEO and first employee. By the end of the year, the club's headcount hit 80.

According to the head coach and team captains of Bay FC, everything is peachy heading into the team’s season opener. The mood, the vibes, the focus. But clearly not everything is great. The NWSL has launched an independent investigation into the second-year team due to allegations of coaching staff misconduct after Bay FC players complained about bullying and a toxic environment.

The NWSL announced it was investigating what one report described as a “toxic” culture under Montoya in Bay FC’s first season.

NWSL commissioner says the league felt "confident" in their systems and processes regarding player complaints and investigations.

The NWSL launched an independent investigation into the Bay FC due to allegations of coaching staff misconduct after Bay FC players complained about bullying and a toxic environment.

Head coach Albertin Montoya will continue to lead Bay FC as they prepare for their first game of the NWSL season on March 15 despite Montoya being the subject of an investigation into the conduct of the club's coaching staff.

The San Francisco Chronicle published an investigation that said at least two formal complaints had been made about the team under coach Albertin Montoya.