Oklahoma City’s newest professional soccer franchise was officially christened OKC United this week, a name chosen to embody the city’s spirit of togetherness as it prepares for its debut in the USL Championship in 2028. Mayor David Holt presented the announcement, emphasizing how the club’s identity reflects the capital’s growing cohesion and ambition.
The club’s crest, a collaborative creation by artist Matthew Wolff and NBA star Russell Westbrook, weaves motifs from Oklahoma’s Native American heritage into a modern emblem. Its color scheme — Midnight Blue, Pink Sunset, and Ivory Cloud — draws directly from the region’s sky, reinforcing a visual link to the local landscape.
A Stadium Built for Community
OKC United will call the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium home, a 10,000‑seat venue funded through the city’s MAPS 4 quality‑of‑life initiative and designed by the global architecture firm Populous. Beyond soccer, the facility is slated to host concerts, conventions and other civic events, serving as a hub for downtown revitalization.
Echo Investment Capital will hold a majority stake in the franchise, partnering with a diverse ownership consortium that includes prominent athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Baker Mayfield, Jalen Williams, Jozy Altidore, and Sydney McLaughlin‑Levrone, as well as the Chickasaw Nation. The group also counts investment veteran Christian Kanady among its ranks, whose firm brings a portfolio of landmark properties and energy royalties to the venture.
The 2028 season will coincide with a series of citywide milestones: the launch of OKC United’s inaugural campaign, the opening of the new Continental Coliseum for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the hosting of several LA28 Olympic events. Early engagement is already evident, with over 3,000 fans securing membership in the 1910 Founders Club.
City officials say the club’s arrival marks more than a sporting addition; it signals a broader push to position Oklahoma City as a cultural and entertainment destination. By blending local heritage, high‑profile ownership and state‑of‑the‑art facilities, OKC United aims to become a lasting fixture in the community’s fabric.