As our skyline evolves, our Thunder basketball team continues to triumph, and our community welcomes increasingly more new residents, one thing is certain: we have so much to be proud of here in Oklahoma City. Our vibrant downtown, our growing economy, our sports teams and our Oklahoma Standard have us poised to shine on the global stage.
Over the last five months, the Oklahoma Standard ethos of kindness and hospitality, woven into the fabric of our community, was immediately apparent as we embarked on a journey to reinvigorate our city’s soccer team with the OKC for Soccer | OKC es Fútbol movement. It’s been evident in every interaction, whether it be government officials, community leaders, or sports fans ― all of whom share a passion for elevating OKC’s brand through the reintroduction of professional soccer and the completion of a new MAPS 4 downtown multipurpose stadium in 2027.
Today we have a unique opportunity ― a once-in-a-generation opportunity ― to put our city’s stamp on a lasting piece of OKC’s push forward onto the world stage: naming our professional men’s soccer team.
Soccer is the world’s game that unifies people across different cultures and backgrounds and allows cities and countries to compete on a level playing field. Many of the world’s greatest cities are home to the most storied teams in all of sports ― FC Barcelona, Manchester United or AC Milan to name a few. Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, you’ve most likely heard of these teams and understand their prominence in the sport.
Now OKC has the chance to join these ranks, to rise and take our place in the world’s game, and to create a club with our vibrant local community at the center of all that we do. Our goal is to build a brand that represents all of OKC, with gender and cultural equity in mind from day one.
We Oklahomans have tremendous pride ― we love sports, and we love our state. We encourage each and every one of you to take a few minutes to share this pride and love for OKC with us. We want to receive your ideas for the team name and story that reflects your OKC.
We’re about to write the next chapter of professional sports for our city, and we need your help in order to get it right. With all of our communities coming together to share their voices, we can create something that represents everything that we stand for.
I invite you to join us in this movement and take a moment to share your ideas with us at okcforsoccer.com.
Court Jeske is president of OKC for Soccer, Echo’s initiative to reimagine professional soccer in Oklahoma City.