High-profile athletes invest in Oklahoma City's growing professional soccer future

Momentum continues to build around Oklahoma City's future professional soccer club as Echo Investment Capital announced that three nationally recognized athletes have joined the club's ownership group. 

NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams and four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are now strategic investors in Oklahoma City's United Soccer League Championship club. They join an ownership group that already includes Russell Westbrook, former U.S. Men's National Team standout Jozy Altidore and entrepreneur Nick Gross. 

The announcement marks another milestone for the city's growing sports landscape as preparations continue for the club's inaugural 2028 season. The team will play at the new MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium under construction just south of Bricktown, which is expected to become a hub for professional soccer, concerts and community events. 

"This is a defining moment for Oklahoma City," said Christian Kanady, founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital, in the announcement. "We have always believed sports can be a catalyst for community and economic growth, and to have athletes of this caliber put their names and capital behind that vision is extraordinary." 

For Mayfield, the investment is also personal. The former University of Oklahoma quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner said supporting the club is another way to invest in the state where he began his rise to national prominence. 

"What excites me most is being part of something that gives back to the community that gave so much to me," Mayfield said. "This is about creating opportunities for the next generation and helping Oklahoma City continue to grow into a destination for sports and entertainment." 

McLaughlin-Levrone said she was drawn to Oklahoma City's vision for using sports to create long-term community impact. 

"What drew me to this project is the belief that sports development, done well, shapes lives far beyond the field of play," she said. "Oklahoma City is investing in its young people in a serious way." 

The announcement follows the recent groundbreaking for the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium and Oklahoma City's designation as a U.S. Soccer Forward Community. Together, those milestones reflect the city's continued investment in sports as a driver of economic development, tourism and quality of life. 

The professional soccer club is expected to begin play in the USL Championship in 2028.