Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC are proud to announce a new partnership with one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected craft breweries: Stoup Brewing.
Rooted right here in Ballard and built on an obsession with quality, Stoup Brewing blends the “art and science of beer” to produce some of the best craft beer in the region. In 2025, Stoup was named Washington’s Large Brewery of the Year at the Washington Beer Awards— a level of excellence that mirrors the standard Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC strive to set in USL League Two and USL W League.
This partnership brings together two Ballard staples who believe in the power of soccer and beer to build community. From the supporters in the stands to the players on the pitch, both Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC exist to create a fun and exciting hyperlocal soccer scene for the Ballard community. Stoup Brewing has spent over a decade building community similarly, by making beer that brings the whole Ballard neighborhood together.
Fans will see Stoup Brewing featured throughout the 2026 seasons. At Interbay Stadium, you’ll find Stoup being served in the Beer Garden. Watch parties and other club events will be hosted at Stoup’s Ballard Taproom. The first of those events will take place on January 28th from 6-8pm as fans are invited to a Coach Meet and Greet with head coaches Malia Arrant and Mutanda Kwesele.
In addition to matchday pours and club events, the partnership will include special collaborations, including a custom club beer. To kick things off, Stoup is also teaming up with both clubs to release a custom pint glass. The first 20 fans to arrive at this month’s Coach Meet & Greet will receive their glass for free. Afterwards, the glasses will be available for sale at Stoup’s Ballard Taproom and the Team Store at Smål Market. Whether you’re raising a pint after a big win or catching up with friends before kickoff, Stoup will be there to make every matchday even better.
When asked about the partnership, President and Co-Founder of Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC, Sam Zisette, said, “Stoup Brewing has been part of the fabric of Ballard for years, and we’re so excited to welcome them into the Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC family. Their passion for craft and community mirrors our own, and we can’t wait for fans to enjoy Stoup beer while cheering on our community clubs.”
Stoup Brewing was opened in 2013 by husband-and-wife team Brad Benson and Lara Zahaba together with their friend Robyn Schumacher. At Salmon Bay FC, we aim to highlight women not only on the soccer pitch, but also in and around our community. As a women-owned brewery, Stoup is the perfect brewery partner as Salmon Bay FC heads into its second season.
“This partnership with both teams represents everything we believe in at Stoup – neighborhood pride, community connection, and genuine camaraderie,” said Zahaba. “But, two of our three owners being women makes the inclusion of a women’s team especially meaningful. It goes beyond the sport and allows us to stand alongside women who lead and inspire. It goes without saying that we are proud to support women and allies building on something powerful together, right here in Ballard.”
Sometimes described as the “Bill Nye the Science Guy of craft beer,” Stoup Brewing continues to set the standard for craft beer in Seattle. Now, they’re bringing that same excellence to the home of Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC.
Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC are thrilled to welcome Stoup Brewing to the family and look forward to a summer full of goals, great beer, and even better community.
