Talk about an unexpected duo! Former US international Jozy Altidore has teamed up with NBA superstar Russell Westbrook to bring professional soccer back to Oklahoma City. And this isn't just any ordinary club launch – we're talking about a $1 billion entertainment project that could reshape American soccer.
The 36-year-old ex-Premier League striker is joining the ownership group behind a new United Soccer League (USL) franchise set to kick off in 2028. Westbrook, who became an Oklahoma City Thunder icon during his NBA career, got involved in 2024 and has even been helping design the stadium.
Altidore played for both Hull City and Sunderland during his time in England, though his Premier League stint was tough – he managed just one goal in 42 games for the Black Cats. But he's been far more successful in business since hanging up his boots in 2023 after an 18-year playing career.
Why This Project Could Be Game-Changing
The new USL team will play in a state-of-the-art stadium with over 10,000 seats that meets MLS standards. The city is putting up $121 million in public funding for the venue, which will be part of a massive mixed-use development including retail, hospitality, a music campus, and green spaces.
Oklahoma City's previous USL team folded in 2022 after failing to meet league requirements at the aging Taft Stadium. This new project aims to do things properly from day one. Altidore and his business partner Alex Lee bring valuable experience in player development and youth systems.
"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 explained. He's partnered with financial firm Echo and CEO Christian Kanady, who have big ambitions for Oklahoma City.
What This Means for American Soccer
The USL sits just below Major League Soccer in the American pyramid, and ambitious projects like this could help grow the sport's popularity. Oklahoma City has a rising population and already loves its sports – the Thunder draw huge crowds and college football is massive there.
Kanady sees soccer as the perfect addition: "How do you take college football and the NBA, and add a third love language of sport, all kind of clustered in a downtown area." That's exactly what they're trying to achieve.
For punters keeping an eye on American soccer's growth, this development is worth watching. A well-funded USL club backed by high-profile investors could eventually push for MLS expansion, which would significantly raise the profile of soccer in the region.
Altidore has been busy since retirement. He became an equity partner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills in 2024 and has invested in several sports ventures including TGL/TMRW Sports, SailGP, and the NWSL's Bay FC. He also serves as chief strategy officer for Sogility, which runs youth soccer facilities.
Echo will invest in Sogility and implement its training methods across the Oklahoma City teams, creating a pathway from youth development to professional soccer. This kind of integrated approach is what successful European clubs have been doing for decades.
Westbrook, now 37 and playing for the Sacramento Kings, has earned nearly $350 million during his NBA career. His 2017 MVP award with Oklahoma City cemented his legendary status there, making him the perfect face for this ambitious project. The new $1 billion Thunder arena opening in 2028 – the same year as the soccer team's launch – shows the city's commitment to becoming a major sports destination.
