A Soccer Legend is Betting Big on Oklahoma City's Future! Get ready, because a massive $1 billion project is set to transform Oklahoma City, and it's bringing a familiar face from the world of soccer along for the ride. Former U.S. Men's National Team star, Jozy Altidore, is stepping off the field and into a significant investment role, joining forces with NBA icon Russell Westbrook for an ambitious new soccer team.
This isn't just about a new team; it's about a complete rebirth. The Oklahoma City United Soccer League (USL) team, which took a pause in 2022, is slated to make a grand return in 2028. And when it does, it will be in a brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium designed to meet Major League Soccer (MLS) standards, boasting over 10,000 seats. Imagine the roar of the crowd in a venue built for the future of the sport!
But here's where it gets truly exciting: This stadium is just one piece of a colossal $1 billion entertainment district. Spearheaded by the financial firm Echo and its CEO Christian Kanady, a proud Oklahoman, this development aims to create a vibrant hub. Think retail spaces, fantastic dining and hospitality options, a dedicated music campus, and lush public green areas. It's all strategically located just two blocks from the new arena for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, which is also set to open in 2028.
Altidore, who recently retired after an illustrious 18-year professional career that took him across the globe, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted the importance of aligning with Christian Kanady and Echo, noting their deep connection to Oklahoma City. "As a player, you see what works and what doesn’t in development and youth development, and this gives us a chance to build something from the very start," Altidore shared, emphasizing his desire to create a lasting impact.
And this is the part most people miss: While the city is contributing a significant $121 million in public funds towards the soccer stadium, it's also nearly fully funding the $1 billion new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder. This dual investment signals a massive commitment to sports and entertainment infrastructure in the city.
Russell Westbrook, a beloved figure in Oklahoma City for his 11 seasons with the Thunder and his 2017 NBA MVP award, became an investor in the soccer project back in 2024. He's joined by other notable investors, including the Chickasaw Nation Tribe and Nick Gross, son of the renowned bond king Bill Gross.
Oklahoma City is no small player in the U.S. landscape. It's one of the fastest-growing major cities, currently ranking as the 20th largest in the nation by population. Kanady sees this growth as a key factor. "This is a city with a population on the rise, diverse, well run, well capitalized, and then lastly, a sports city," he stated. He envisions the new soccer team as adding a "third love language of sport" to the city's already strong passion for college football and the NBA.
Altidore's involvement extends beyond just investment. He's been actively building his portfolio as a sports investor. In 2024, he became an equity partner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills, alongside other former NBA stars like Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter. His other ventures include TGL/TMRW Sports, SailGP, and the NWSL's Bay FC. He also invested in Sogility, a company focused on youth soccer training facilities with a unique tech platform, where his business partner Alex Lee serves as CEO and Altidore as Chief Strategy Officer. Echo will also invest in Sogility, and its training methods will be incorporated into the Oklahoma City soccer teams.
Now, let's talk about the vision. Altidore's interest in a stateside soccer project was deliberate. He wanted something that offered a unique edge, and this $1 billion development, with its integrated sports and entertainment components, certainly fits the bill. It's a holistic approach to building a city's sports culture.
But is this the right approach? Could such massive investment in entertainment districts inadvertently lead to gentrification or displacement? And with so many different sports ventures vying for attention, how will the USL team truly carve out its unique identity and fanbase in Oklahoma City? What are your thoughts on this ambitious plan? Let us know in the comments below!
