Here's something you don't see every day - an NBA superstar and a former Premier League striker teaming up to bring professional soccer to Oklahoma. Russell Westbrook and Jozy Altidore are joining forces on a massive $1 billion entertainment district that includes a brand new USL franchise set to kick off in 2028.
The project is being led by financial firm Echo and CEO Christian Kanady. The team will compete in the United Soccer League, which sits just below MLS as America's second-tier professional league. This isn't just about soccer though - we're talking about a complete entertainment district with retail spaces, restaurants, a music campus, and green spaces all coming together.
Altidore, who hung up his boots in 2023 after 18 years as a pro, brings serious experience to the table. Remember his time in the Premier League? He spent the 2009-10 season with Hull City before moving to Sunderland, where things didn't quite work out as planned with just one goal in 42 appearances. Still, he's seen what works and what doesn't at the highest levels of football.
Why This Matters for American Soccer
Oklahoma City used to have a USL team, but it shut down in 2022 after failing to meet league standards. The old Taft Stadium just wasn't cutting it anymore. This new project is completely different - we're looking at a state-of-the-art venue with over 10,000 seats that meets MLS standards, thanks to $121 million in public funding.
Altidore was careful about which project to join stateside. As someone who scored 42 goals for the US national team (third all-time behind Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan), he wanted something special. His business partner Alex Lee is also involved, and their company Sogility - which runs youth soccer facilities - will play a big role in developing the club's training methodology.
Westbrook, the 2017 NBA MVP who became a Thunder legend, jumped aboard in 2024 and has been hands-on with the stadium design. The timing works perfectly with Oklahoma City's new $1 billion Thunder arena also opening in 2028. Kanady sees Oklahoma City as the perfect sports city - growing population, diverse, well-run, and already passionate about college football and the NBA. Now they're adding soccer as the "third love language."
Building Something From Scratch
What makes this project exciting is the chance to build everything from the ground up. Altidore emphasized this point - having played at clubs across Europe and North America, he knows what separates the good from the great when it comes to development and infrastructure.
For bettors and fans keeping an eye on the USL, this franchise will be worth watching when it launches. With this level of investment and expertise behind it, Oklahoma City could quickly become one of the stronger teams in the league. The combination of proper facilities, experienced leadership, and a growing sports-mad city creates the perfect foundation.
Altidore's been busy beyond this project too. He became an equity partner in the NFL's Buffalo Bills in 2024 and has investments in TGL/TMRW Sports, SailGP, and the NWSL's Bay FC. The guy clearly knows how to spot a good sports investment.
Westbrook, now 37 and playing for the Sacramento Kings, has earned nearly $350 million during his NBA career. His involvement brings serious star power and financial credibility to the project. When you've got that kind of backing combined with Altidore's soccer knowledge, you've got a recipe for something special in Oklahoma City.
