NASL to unveil new club next week - commissioner - ESPN FC (http://www.espnfc.us/north-american-soccer-league/story/2697797/nasl-to-unveil-new-club-next-week-commissioner)

Do you think that means OKC or something?

Do you think that means OKC or something?

Yes I do

Let's see:

An NASL Oklahoma City FC franchise in Yukon, Oklahoma.

A two-year established USL Oklahoma City Energy FC franchise in OKC.

Personally, I think both franchises will be able to survive in the metropolitan area.

The current Major League Soccer (MLS) model doesn't provide much for small markets like Oklahoma City. Although, the NASL has the potential to establish itself more of a 'junior' league more like the AL to NL in major league baseball; its model does provide more incentives for owners.

MLS is geared more for markets with approximately 2 million in the metro area or markets where you have a 'high per capita income' like Salt Lake City. Currently SLC is the only MLS market with less than 1.9 million residents in their metropolitan area.

Smallest MLS markets:


Salt Lake City, UT - 1,153,340: 2015 season Real Salt Lake - 20,002 (Total: 680.079)
San Jose, CA - 1,952,872: 2015 season San Jose Earthquakes - 21,180 (Total: 720.110)

Smallest NASL markets:


Jacksonville, FL - 1,419,1273: 2015 season - Jacksonville Armada 7,927 (Total: 118,903)
Oklahoma City, OK - 1,336,767: TBD

Let's see:

An NASL Oklahoma City FC franchise in Yukon, Oklahoma.

A two-year established USL Oklahoma City Energy FC franchise in OKC.

Personally, I think both franchises will be able to survive in the metropolitan area.

The current Major League Soccer (MLS) model doesn't provide much for small markets like Oklahoma City. Although, the NASL has the potential to establish itself more of a 'junior' league more like the AL to NL in major league baseball; its model does provide more incentives for owners.

MLS is geared more for markets with approximately 2 million in the metro area or markets where you have a 'high per capita income' like Salt Lake City. Currently SLC is the only MLS market with less than 1.9 million residents in their metropolitan area.

Smallest MLS markets:


Salt Lake City, UT - 1,153,340: 2015 season Real Salt Lake - 20,002 (Total: 680.079)
San Jose, CA - 1,952,872: 2015 season San Jose Earthquakes - 21,180 (Total: 720.110)

Smallest NASL markets:


Jacksonville, FL - 1,419,1273: 2015 season - Jacksonville Armada 7,927 (Total: 118,903)
Oklahoma City, OK - 1,336,767: TBD

Calling San Jose a "small market" is comical. That slicing of the bay area exists only because there are three central cities in the region. The whole region's CSA has 8.6 million people making it the fifth largest metro in the nation.

Calling San Jose a "small market" is comical. That slicing of the bay area exists only because there are three central cities in the region. The whole region's CSA has 8.6 million people making it the fifth largest metro in the nation.

It is only slightly closer between the center of Tulsa - OKC than the centers of San Jose - San Francisco or Oakland; for a lot of things it they are different markets, I have doubts MLS is going to be drawing a lot from San Francisco or Oakland.

Calling San Jose a "small market" is comical. That slicing of the bay area exists only because there are three central cities in the region. The whole region's CSA has 8.6 million people making it the fifth largest metro in the nation.

Comical, don't make me laugh!

I didn't call it a small market. Simply put, Salt Lake City & San Jose are the two smallest markets in the MLS.

San Jose, CA has its own defined metropolitan area that ranks 34th among U.S. metropolitan areas behind current MLS markets Columbus (1,994,536), Kansas City (2,071,133) & Orlando (2,321,418).

So instead of bringing an ECHL team here, Lund would rather hold a grudge and divide the market.

Looking forward to it! I'll buy ST's as soon as I can!

NASL to officially announce Oklahoma City franchise | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/nasl-to-officially-announce-oklahoma-city-franchise/article/5459327)

Looking forward to it! I'll buy ST's as soon as I can!

Good for you. Enjoy the 800 people who will be there with you.

You don't have to be butt hurt that he was right all this time lol.

All the more reason for a soccer stadium, I guess.

You don't have to be butt hurt that he was right all this time lol.

Because Lund and the NASL exercising their vendetta against Funk and McLaughlin and dividing the market is a good thing?

I really don't think they will split the market, sure some of the soccer moms from Yukon/Mustang might switch over because it's closer but the core fans and the grid won't be leaving any time soon. Taft isn't really a fantastic location but at least it's in the city and not a suburb. I'm not too worried especially with the turn outs from the playoffs this year.

Good for you. Enjoy the 800 people who will be there with you.

Yep. Add about 50 more people and you have a good Barons crowd

It is only slightly closer between the center of Tulsa - OKC than the centers of San Jose - San Francisco or Oakland; for a lot of things it they are different markets, I have doubts MLS is going to be drawing a lot from San Francisco or Oakland.

San Jose to Oakland is 40 miles and to San Francisco is 48 miles. Tulsa to OKC is 106 miles. San Jose is less than half as far with almost four times as many people. For reference, Sacramento and it's 2.5 million people is closer to the Bay Area than Tulsa is to OKC.

It's all one very large urban area. Why wouldn't MLS fans travel from Oakland or San Francisco? The San Francisco 49rs now play in Santa Clara which is just five miles to San Jose and still over 40 to San Francisco. The Raiders are considering moving to the same stadium and keeping the Oakland name.

San Jose's "market" is 8.6 million people.

Agree with Swake about the large market that San Jose now enjoys.

The point is that if you're going to look at SF and San Jose as the same market, then you're talking about the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA Combined Statistical Area, which is pretty mammoth with over 8 million people in it.


That's a market that should be able to easily sustain two teams. There are a number of MLS teams in markets that are smaller than half of the CSA (ie, have fewer than 4 million people in them) that are doing quite well.

https://www.quora.com/Why-doesnt-MLS-buy-Kezar-Stadium-and-put-a-San-Francisco-team-into-the-league


Atlanta and Los Angeles FC are slated to start in 2017, and in late March Minnesota United was given an expansion team to join in 2018.

As for Miami, the 24th spot remains in the hands of David Beckham's ownership group, Miami Beckham United, although the search for a suitable stadium site continues.


Examining the candidates for the next round of MLS expansion - ESPN FC (http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/2438275/examining-the-candidates-for-the-next-round-of-mls-expansion) Sacramento is on the radar for an MLS post 2020.

All the more reason for a soccer stadium, I guess.

Couldn't hurt to build a 25,000 seat stadium to serve the needs of high school football, large outdoor gatherings & soccer in the core area of our city. Tulsa area 6-A football schools have an advantage because Taft can only host 5-A and below. Chapman's 30,000 capacity trumps anything we have except Norman's Memorial Stadium which is oversized for those events.

It would be an added boost for the merchants in the Midtown-Bricktown-Downtown area. I doubt if two mid level soccer franchises can survive in Oklahoma City proper.

The Thunder is still the big bad deva in Oklahoma City. The more well-rounded a market, the more people you attract--the more stable & solid those restaurants & businesses become.

We have a well established USL base in the core of Oklahoma City. OKC Energy FC has had a two year head start on marketing their brand. That doesn't mean that West Oklahoma City, Bethany, Tuttle, Mustang, Yukon, Union City & El Reno can't support another quality franchise in a tier II league. We'll see...

I just put my deposit down on ST's! :-)

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNeTEOzXIIAQOKeQM74KCBAbEKiuQy1 jAQxNRW8GHTvkHhNiZo

http://nasl.ezitsolutions.com/teamuploads/okc/images/RAYO_Yukon%20Stadium%20Rendering.jpg

La Liga?s Rayo Vallecano And Local Businessman Team Up To Bring NASL Club To Oklahoma City | NASL (http://www.nasl.com/news/2015/11/10/la-ligas-rayo-vallecano-and-local-buisnessman-team-up-to-bring-nasl-club-to-oklahoma-city)


Home | Rayo OKC (http://www.rayookc.com/)

Watching the US game right now. They are playing in Busch Stadium and it looks like a great atmosphere BECAUSE they lined the field down one of the foul lines, unlike what Tulsa does, and puts it almost in the outfield.

It's still soccer on a baseball diamond.

It's a shame, STL seems like a city that would kill it with an MLS franchise. If they had an ownership group and a SSS it would be great.

So they gonna play or nah? Two months until you should be playing friendlies. It looks like Rayo Yukon is DOA.

Going to play, from what I know. Maybe stick to things you know like Barons hockey and the energy

Going to play, from what I know. Maybe stick to things you know like Barons hockey and the energy

Because they have signed 0 players and 0 coaches. Lol. Two months. Better hurry. Maybe Yukon will change their minds and let you remove the paint from the end zones.

From the looks of it one fan on Twitter, haha. I do find it funny that fans of the Parent club dislike Rayo Yukon so much.

From the owner that I talked to this morning:

1. They have moved into their new offices on N. Walker.
2. They have finalized a deal with a head coach. They are waiting to sign his contract and then have a press conference to announce him.
3. As soon as the coach is signed they will also be announcing players that will be coming here.
3. They have a Technical Director, who will be announced at the same press conference, that has been in contact with several European players who are ready to come to OKC.

From the looks of it one fan on Twitter, haha. I do find it funny that fans of the Parent club dislike Rayo Yukon so much.

Guess it good the games arent played on Twitter

And as far as this "one fan on Twitter" thing? The last time I looked Rayo had over 1,600 followers between the English-speaking, and Spanish-speaking, twitter accounts. And that's after, really, less than two months. Going to have alot more in the future, but that's already about 100 more than a good Barons crowd.

And as far as this "one fan on Twitter" thing? The last time I looked Rayo had over 1,600 followers between the English-speaking, and Spanish-speaking, twitter accounts. And that's after, really, less than two months. Going to have alot more in the future, but that's already about 100 more than a good Barons crowd.

You think the Barons comment really bothers me? Lol. I am over that. But enjoy the 2 season Rayo Yukon will have before they are gone. Better hope Rayo Vallencano doesn't get relegated or it may happen sooner.

Man your hatred for a team that hasn't even played yet is absolutely childish. Look I really like the Energy and I hope they continue to get better and attendance stays stronger than ever but this NASL team that is playing in Yukon means nothing. If it was down the street from Taft then maybe it would effect it more but its 20 miles away. I thought it was absolutely disgusting that the rayo fans would bring energy gear to their games and I would hope the Grid or any Energy fans had nothing to do with it, I know this is a rivalry that started before these owners owed soccer teams but its well past time keep these threads about what the communities can do to support each team to the best of their abilities and not about why one is going to only last 2 seasons. ( step off soap box)

I think you might be a little dark on a lot of the details surrounding this. The reason the real Rayo fans hate this team is because the owner is investing in an American team that has no ties to the club and neglecting them. And the "hate" that kwhey has for that team was all brought on by Brad when he began trolling the Energy in the very beginning. Both Borchard and Rayo OKC deserve what they have coming to them.

A little dark? After he posted the image of the dozen rayo fans holding energy gear I read multiple stories because it baffled me so I'm fully aware a very small minority (by multiple Spanish paper accounts), don't like he is putting an undisclosed amount of money into an American soccer team. But neglecting them? Again multiple papers describe him as the best owner in the teams history of underachieving soccer. They nor has anyone been able to show how he is neglecting his team. That's like Thunder fans being mad the owners are spending their money on non thunder related ventures. The reality is the Energy are a solid team with great support and got the jump by two years, but it reflects on OKC if rayo fails and there should be more than enough support for both of these teams to do just fine.

Some guy posted all of these pics of their stadium, showing rusted hand rails, and seats that had bird crap on them. He tried to say that the owners money should go to fixing up the stadium, instead of to Rayo OKC. The reality is this, the owner has said already that he wanted to build a new stadium for the team. But the Rayo stadium is owned by the city. The city doesn't want to approve him building his OWN stadium, that he controls. Instead, they want him to put his money into fixing up THEIR stadium. He said no.

Support whoever you want but the message goes both ways. Borchard has been the biggest detractor of the Energy. And you're wrong. If the ultimate goal for either team is MLS, there absolutely is not enough room in this city for two teams.

A little dark? After he posted the image of the dozen rayo fans holding energy gear I read multiple stories because it baffled me so I'm fully aware a very small minority (by multiple Spanish paper accounts), don't like he is putting an undisclosed amount of money into an American soccer team. But neglecting them? Again multiple papers describe him as the best owner in the teams history of underachieving soccer. They nor has anyone been able to show how he is neglecting his team. That's like Thunder fans being mad the owners are spending their money on non thunder related ventures. The reality is the Energy are a solid team with great support and got the jump by two years, but it reflects on OKC if rayo fails and there should be more than enough support for both of these teams to do just fine.

I want both teams to succeed, and hate each other. Rivalry drives sports like almost nothing else does. A true rivalry would help both teams.

Agreed. I hope they play every year and both fan supports are rabid in their hate for the others. But their is difference between that and saying "so is this happening cause they don't have a team and that must mean they are a failure." It's like bedlam football. Their is no love lost between fans and I feel it really creates a great rivalry.

Both franchises should share success next season.

It would have been nice if they could have joined forces, built a 12,000 seat starter stadium with expansion capacity.

Right now, what we know about the MLS, the model favors more league profits & larger markets (more TV households) . Just don't really believe that anyone wants to invest that much capital into an MLS franchise that his little return. Maybe the MLS TV revenue stream could provide more for future team profitability.

Competitive balance at stake in MLS as some clubs set new spending pace | FOX Sports (http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/inside-mls/competitive-balance-mls-s-maturity-growth-trajectory-put-it-on-stable-financial-footing-022214)

If the NASL gets a TV contract; watchout, you could see the NASL expand its footprint into some really great markets.

Concern about where the USL is headed:

The USL is becoming more of an MLS2 development league. Cities like Sacramento, OKC, Rochester, Richmond, Tulsa & Louisville will have trouble attracting competitive talent. These markets will be at-risk in about two years.

You'll discover very quickly which of Oklahoma's two ULS cities is a hard town on losers.

Support whoever you want but the message goes both ways. Borchard has been the biggest detractor of the Energy.
Absolutely correct. And I will continue to not support them.

And you're wrong. If the ultimate goal for either team is MLS, there absolutely is not enough room in this city for two teams.
No one, that I have talked to on the NASL side, has MLS aspirations. They want to be in the NASL. All money they make is theirs. Any TV contract that they get is theirs. When I watched Don Garber give the Eastern Conference trophy to Columbus this year, he introduced the Columbus head as the "Investor/Operator of Columbus SC..."?!? NOT the owner, because he isnt.
And if it's the energy management throwing out the MLS balloon (and they have. I navigated to a survey they posted last year) then shame on them. They have neither the ambition, not the wherewithal to make that happen. Trying to sell that to their fans is a mistake, at best, and completely disingenuous at worst. Oklahoma City will NOT get an MLS team. We had a chance 14yrs ago, and Bob Funk Sr. bought the Redhawks, instead. Now, the franchise fee is 10x what it was, and NFL and NBA owners are clamoring to get in. We have ZERO chance of MLS. As @Laramie has pointed out

MLS, the model favors more league profits & larger markets (more TV households) . Just don't really believe that anyone wants to invest that much capital into an MLS franchise that his little return.
MLS is a corporate conglomerate, instead of a collection of independent teams. And there are far too many larger, more well-healed potential "investors" out there.
So be happy where you are. I want OKC to be the best NASL franchise there is. If you are an energy supporter, then make them the best USL team. But stop wishing for MLS. It. AINT. GONNA. HAPPEN.

Every city in the U.S. still thinks it can get an MLS franchise, and you know what that means | Field of Schemes (http://www.fieldofschemes.com/2015/08/25/9689/every-city-in-the-u-s-still-thinks-it-can-get-an-mls-franchise-and-you-know-what-that-means/)

Columbus arena sparks opening of convenience store, bringing Twizzlers to struggling local economy | Field of Schemes (http://www.fieldofschemes.com/2015/06/25/9376/columbus-arena-sparks-opening-of-convenience-store-bringing-twizzlers-to-struggling-local-economy/)

In related news, the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview just sold another $16 million worth of bonds to help pay off its money-losing Chicago Fire MLS stadium, but this year a new gas station opened nearby.

Columbus arena sparks opening of convenience store, bringing Twizzlers to struggling local economy | Field of Schemes (http://www.fieldofschemes.com/2015/06/25/9376/columbus-arena-sparks-opening-of-convenience-store-bringing-twizzlers-to-struggling-local-economy/)

A damn gas station; is that all?

Oklahoma City went about building the Chesapeake Energy Arena the right way; debt free penny sales tax.

Glad that Oklahoma City didn't get what Columbus' wrestled away from us in that final decision hour; 4th NHL '97 expansion franchise. Nationwide of Columbus stepped in to steal that final NHL franchise which was signed and not sealed to deliver to OKC's group (Ron Norick & Clay Bennett).

http://newsok.com/article/3683005

If we decide to build a soccer stadium on the riverfront; build a 12,000-15,000 seat starter, something in the $25 million range without all the bells & whistles that could host local events downtown; eventually bring NASL or USL to the downtown area were there is more restaurant & family atmosphere support.

11952
Good to see the team getting out int he comunity

Rayo OKC set to name Ex-Scorpions Boss Alen Marcina as First Coach - Empire of Soccer (http://www.empireofsoccer.com/scorpions-marcina-first-coach-43574/)


Marcina was an assistant with the Scorpions when the club finished on top of the points table during its inaugural season in 2012. The Canadian-born coach then took over midway through the following year when current Indy Eleven coach Tim Hankinson was sacked.

The Scorpions removed the interim tag from Marcina’s job title for the following year and it paid off well for both sides. Under Marcina in 2014, the Scorpions were first in goals allowed (24) and second goals scored (43) in the 27-game regular season. The Scorpions capitalized on those advantageous numbers by claiming the Fall Season title to clinch a playoff spot and they then took home the ultimate prize of the Soccer Bowl trophy in the championship final.

12033

If the first pint is really on them I might show up and grab one then leave, going to Slims tomorrow anyway and it's on the way.

Went to the press conference today and met the General Manager and listened to the comments from the new coach.

Pretty impressive organization and well-done event. Good crowd, too.

This team will have a substantially larger payroll than the Energy and we might see some MLS players on the way up or down.

The new coach promised an attacking, dynamic style of play and his previous teams have scored lots of goals. He is also a native Spanish-speaker and made some remarks in Spanish to the delete of the Latinos in the crowd.

Rayo's association with Rayo Vallecano of Madrid is an interesting wrinkle.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/rayo1.jpg

Rayo OKC names Alen Marcina head coach | News OK (http://newsok.com/rayo-okc-names-alen-marcina-head-coach/article/5471144)
Great crowd at the press conference. Looking forward to the season. I talked to one of the owners who told me that they already have 5 players signed. They are just waiting fro NASL approval to introduce them, probably next week?
Of the 5 players;
All FIVE have played in MLS
THREE have National Team experience

Kind of surprised that no one has posted this post here (or maybe I missed it). It's from November 2015.

Rayo OKC is hilariously bad and could be a catastrophic failure for the NASL - Black And Red United (http://www.blackandredunited.com/opinion/2015/11/11/9711200/rayo-okc-nasl-expansion-oklahoma-city-hilariously-bad-catastrophic-failure)

Rayo OKC names Alen Marcina head coach | News OK (http://newsok.com/rayo-okc-names-alen-marcina-head-coach/article/5471144)
Great crowd at the press conference. Looking forward to the season. I talked to one of the owners who told me that they already have 5 players signed. They are just waiting fro NASL approval to introduce them, probably next week?
Of the 5 players;
All FIVE have played in MLS
THREE have National Team experience

What national team? There are national team players playing in USL as well.

Kind of surprised that no one has posted this post here (or maybe I missed it). It's from November 2015.

Rayo OKC is hilariously bad and could be a catastrophic failure for the NASL - Black And Red United (http://www.blackandredunited.com/opinion/2015/11/11/9711200/rayo-okc-nasl-expansion-oklahoma-city-hilariously-bad-catastrophic-failure)

While I think I agree with most of the criticisms, it should also be pointed out that this is from an MLS fan blog and they are always biased against NASL.

What national team? There are national team players playing in USL as well.

Well outstanding! I never said there weren't? But apparently, Rayo OKC will have at least three players with world national team experience, and at least 5 with MLS experience. I think that's a real positive thing

Well outstanding! I never said there weren't? But apparently, Rayo OKC will have at least three players with world national team experience, and at least 5 with MLS experience. I think that's a real positive thing

What is "world national team?"

Sure it's positive, I never said it wasn't?

What is "world national team?"

Sure it's positive, I never said it wasn't?

National team experience...for a team in the world

http://img02.lavanguardia.com/2015/11/11/Rayo-Oklahoma-City_54439744498_53389389549_600_396.jpg
http://nasl.ezitsolutions.com/teamuploads/nasl/images/RAYO_Yukon%20Stadium%20Rendering.jpg
NASL - Rayo OKC based in Yukon-Bethany-El Reno-Mustang (West of Oklahoma City - 100,000)

Yukon High School - Millers Stadium - The $17 million Miller Stadium, opened in 2011, has fixed seating for 6,500 spectators but could expand to 10,000 seats. The stadium features private suites, a split-level press box for working media, a large video scoreboard, a 24,000-square-foot wellness center and on-site parking for 2,500 vehicles.


http://www.reddirtreport.com/sites/default/files/field/image/okcenergy.jpeg
http://50.87.227.228/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/arial_view_rec.png
USL - Oklahoma City Energy FC in Oklahoma City (625,000)

Oklahoma City Public Schools - Taft Stadium - The $12.5 million renovations has transformed this historic stadium into a soccer specific stadium seating 7,500. The entire west-side bleachers are filled with green chair backs. Suites have been placed in the north end zone with bleachers for The Grid, the Energy supporter group, in the south end zone.

Metro-Oklahoma City will have the luxury representation of the USL - Oklahoma City Energy FC (2014 to present) and NASL - Rayo Oklahoma City (Opening spring 2016).


Let's support our NASL and USL representatives...

This team will have a substantially larger payroll than the Energy and we might see some MLS players on the way up or down.

Gonna suck when Rayo Vallecano get relegated (loss of a lot of money

Kind of surprised that no one has posted this post here (or maybe I missed it). It's from November 2015.

Rayo OKC is hilariously bad and could be a catastrophic failure for the NASL - Black And Red United (http://www.blackandredunited.com/opinion/2015/11/11/9711200/rayo-okc-nasl-expansion-oklahoma-city-hilariously-bad-catastrophic-failure)
Couple of thoughts;
1. One of his points is something like "Who has ever heard of Rayo Vallecano?..."
Well, a lot more Now that they announced they are backing OKC. A lot more since you mentioned them in your blog. And a lot more when the team starts the season. And...isn't that the point, you dumbass?
2. ANY criticism of ANYONE coming from DC United fans, who have been pathetic for years, AND who play in the absolute WORST stadium in the league, is really laughable. Seriously, Taft Stadim and Miller Stadium are PALACES compared to that dump!

D.C. United tallied a total of only 3 wins in the 2013 season, setting a record for fewest wins in league history.bDespite the team's poor showing in league play, D.C. United defeated Real Salt Lake in the U.S. Open Cup final. This qualified the team to participate in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League. In 2014, D.C. United executed a historic turnaround by clinching first place in the Eastern Conference, which also earned the team its second consecutive Champions League berth.

Hmmmm, even when they suck, they still managed to win a Cup. Yeah they are horrible! But they are not Rayo Vallecano horrible.