NASL Announces Two New Franchises in Oklahoma City & Jacksonville

The North American Soccer League’s Board of Governors have unanimously approved expansion franchises in Oklahoma City and Jacksonville, Florida.

Both franchises will begin play in the 2015 spring season. 

The NASL board received presentations from groups representing four prospective expansion cities as part of two days of meetings being held in Dallas. 

“We are delighted to be expanding to two cities that clearly have a passion for soccer, where we believe local fans will be excited to welcome our newest teams,” said NASL commissioner Bill Peterson. “We have considered expansion to cities that meet specific criteria and most importantly have strong ownership groups that will provide a long and stable future for the NASL in those markets, which we clearly have in both Jacksonville and Oklahoma City.” 

Tim McLaughlin, an Oklahoma City native, presented to the NASL Board of Governors on behalf of OKC Pro Soccer LLC, which has already secured the rights to plays its games at Taft Stadium.

“Bringing a high-level professional soccer club to Oklahoma City is going to add an exciting new sports dimension to our city and state,” said McLaughlin. “We look forward to working with the NASL to give our community a soccer team and game experience people will be talking about for many years to come.