An investment group representing a potential North American Soccer League (NASL) expansion franchise in Oklahoma City, Okla. has been formally invited to present at the league’s Board of Governors meeting on Thursday, July 25 in Dallas, Texas. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, it is anticipated that the Board will vote following the presentation on the group’s application to join the NASL and begin play for the 2015 season.
The Oklahoma City ownership group is led by Tim McLaughlin, Vice President and general partner of AdvancePierre Foods. McLaughlin previously spearheaded the investment group behind Oklahoma City FC, a USL PDL club that began play this season. In addition to his corporate presence, McLaughlin is also involved with Fields and Futures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit campaign organized to help renovate and upgrade Oklahoma City Schools’ athletic fields.
The group is partnering with Sold Out Strategies, a sport marketing and management agency in Oklahoma City. Brad Lund, a sports marketing agent and former minor league hockey executive for the Oklahoma City Blazers, is Sold Out Strategies’ managing partner.
Last month, NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson confirmed to Triangle Offense that the league was in negotiations with an Oklahoma City investment group. On June 17, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board awarded the group a two-year lease for use of the renovated Taft Stadium for a potential NASL expansion franchise.
