Echo Investment Capital, the private equity firm behind Oklahoma City's upcoming professional soccer franchise, announced Tuesday that the club will make its competitive debut in the United Soccer League Championship in 2028.
Sead Karaselimović, a veteran of player recruitment and scouting, joins the project as sporting director. He previously steered Sporting Kansas City’s talent pipeline, guiding the club to four MLS Cup Playoff appearances and a runner‑up finish in the 2024 US Open Cup.
Vanessa Reid, meanwhile, has been tapped as vice president of partnerships and branding. Reid’s career includes a senior role at the Minnesota Vikings, where she oversaw premium guest experiences, and an early stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving her a unique blend of local insight and national reach.
Building a foundation for future success
The franchise will call the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium home, a 10,000‑seat venue designed by the global architecture firm Populous. The stadium’s modern amenities are intended to blend community access with a premium match‑day atmosphere.
The move also ties the new club to a network of familiar sporting brands. Sporting Kansas City, where Karaselimović honed his scouting philosophy, and the Minnesota Vikings, where Reid refined her fan‑experience strategy, both provide reference points for a club seeking to carve out its identity in a competitive market.
Local officials say the stadium’s location in Oklahoma City positions the franchise at the heart of a growing sports corridor, while the involvement of Populous, known for designing venues for major events, promises a venue that meets both athletic and entertainment demands.