Prodigal LLC Is Bringing Professional Soccer to Oklahoma City
July 2, 2013 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
OKC Energy FC News Release
Oklahoma City - Today, Prodigal LLC announced the locally-owned company will operate a USL PRO soccer franchise in Oklahoma City beginning in the Spring 2014.
USL's PRO division is the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men's professional soccer league outside of Major League Soccer (MLS). Focused on franchise stability and longevity, USL PRO features 13 teams for the 2013 season, including expansion teams in Phoenix and Tampa.
The league not only serves as a springboard to the MLS for players, but also for franchises. Four of the last five clubs to enter MLS have moved up from the USL's top professional division. Among the most successful clubs, the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact all operated franchises in the USL's top professional division before making the transition to MLS.
In 2013 USL PRO began a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership with MLS that will enhance the development of professional players in North America, strengthen the competition in both leagues, and establish a solid foundation for future collaboration. In addition to league play, USL PRO teams will compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various domestic and international exhibitions. USL PRO is the longest-standing pro league affiliate member of US Soccer.
Beginning immediately, Prodigal LLC is asking for help from soccer fans across the metro area to name the team. Fans have until Friday, July 19 to submit a name for Oklahoma's newest professional soccer team. The grand prize of the Name the Team Contest will earn a trip for two during the 2014 MLS season to see Sporting Kansas City. For contest rules and to help name the team, visit prodigal.com/soccer.
Soccer fans also have the opportunity to place a deposit for ticket packages by calling 405-235-KICK (5425).
Prodigal LLC is a full service event management company based in Oklahoma City. Prodigal operates the Oklahoma City Barons professional hockey team, co-promotes Professional Bull Riders (PBR) events in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, operates the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), serves as the co-organizer for the March of Dimes Sports Headliner Banquet and produces the Bricktown 4th Fest and is sales and marketing partner with All College and World Cup of Softball.
Prodigal LLC CEO Bob Funk Jr. has worked on a variety of project in the sports and entertainment world including Summer and Winter X Games, AND 1 Mix Tape tour as well as Davis and Fed Cup matches. He serves as Chairman of the newly formed Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium and is an organizing member for the National Sports Forum.
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