The Oakland Athletics' 2010 season was their 42nd in Oakland, California. It was also the 110th season in franchise history. The team finished second in the American League West with a record of 81–81.

The Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 season was their 13th season in Major League Baseball. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009 by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second American League East championship in three years.