Jozy Altidore Joins Oklahoma City Soccer Ownership Group

Former United States men's national soccer team forward Jozy Altidore has joined NBA star Russell Westbrook in the ownership group of a new United Soccer League (USL) team in Oklahoma City. The group, which also includes Altidore's business partner Alex Lee and the Chickasaw Nation, has acquired the rights to the team previously known as the OKC Energy. The team is set to re-launch in 2028, coinciding with the opening of a new stadium in downtown Oklahoma City, which is part of a larger $1 billion entertainment district.

ESPNAltidore Joins NBA’s Westbrook in $1B OKC Soccer Team Project

Altidore, a two-time U.S. Soccer Player of the Year and World Cup participant, expressed enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its community roots. "It's rare to see a club and its pathway so deeply rooted in the community from day one," he stated. He highlighted the opportunity to create a world-class environment for soccer at all levels in Oklahoma City. The new stadium will feature over 10,000 seats and meet Major League Soccer (MLS) standards, with $121 million in public funding allocated for its construction.

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The investment in the soccer team is part of a broader initiative to enhance Oklahoma City's status as a sports hub. The city is experiencing significant growth, now ranking as the 20th largest in the U.S. by population. Christian Kanady, CEO of Echo Investment Capital, noted the city's potential, stating, "This is a city with a population on the rise, diverse, well run, well capitalized, and then lastly, a sports city." The new soccer team aims to complement the existing sports culture, which includes college football and the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.

Altidore Joins NBA’s Westbrook in $1B OKC Soccer Team Project

Altidore, who retired from professional soccer in 2023 after an 18-year career, is recognized for his contributions to the U.S. men's national team, where he scored 42 goals, ranking third all-time. His involvement in the soccer project follows a series of investments in various sports, including becoming an equity partner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills and investing in youth soccer training facilities through Sogility. Altidore's strategic vision for the Oklahoma City soccer team includes integrating Sogility's training methodologies into the team's development programs.

Altidore Joins NBA’s Westbrook in $1B OKC Soccer Team ProjectESPN

Christian Kanady remarked on Altidore's addition to the ownership group, stating, "Jozy brings something you cannot manufacture: world-class credibility, a player's understanding of what it takes to develop talent, and the ability to inspire the next generation from the locker room to the boardroom." Altidore emphasized the importance of aligning with local stakeholders, saying, "The alignment with Christian and Echo was really important for me, looking at what they’re trying to do in a city that means so much to them."

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While the project has garnered support, some community members have raised concerns about the allocation of public funds for the stadium and the potential impact on local resources. Critics argue that prioritizing a new sports facility may divert attention from other pressing community needs.

Altidore Joins NBA’s Westbrook in $1B OKC Soccer Team Project

• “It's rare to see a club and its pathway so deeply rooted in the community from day one,” — Jozy Altidore, Former U.S. Soccer Player

ESPN

• “This is a city with a population on the rise, diverse, well run, well capitalized, and then lastly, a sports city,” — Christian Kanady, CEO of Echo Investment Capital

Altidore Joins NBA’s Westbrook in $1B OKC Soccer Team Project

• “Jozy brings something you cannot manufacture: world-class credibility, a player's understanding of what it takes to develop talent, and the ability to inspire the next generation from the locker room to the boardroom.” — Christian Kanady, CEO of Echo Investment Capital

ESPN