Rayo Vallecano backed club to remain in Oklahoma City, hopes to join NASL in 2016

There have been reports for the past few weeks that Oklahoma City FC may not be completely dead, as the potential expansion side had picked up some financial backing from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. On Wednesday, Spanish paper Marca had some more details about the project, confirming that the side is hoping to join the North American Soccer League as early as next season, and isn't worried about the fact that there's already a USL side established in the city.

Oklahoma City FC co-owner Brad Lund spoke with Marca, and confirmed that there have been no plans to move the club's home, despite the presence of the Energy. He also added that "The goal is 2016", to begin play in the NASL.

Lund confirmed that the partnership with Rayo will involve young players joining the American club on loan, which seems like a great way to get some talent into the team without spending too lavishly. In addition, he noted that the club will be looking to build a soccer specific stadium, which was one of the big issues surrounding the NASL's first attempt to expand to the Sooner state.

The project on Oklahoma City is certainly interesting, and the ownership situation certainly makes it viable, but I hope that the clubs have watched some of the reaction to the Manchester City/NYCFC branding mess, and decide to give Oklahoma City FC an identity of their own. Regardless, it will be nice to see the NASL continue to develop more of a presence in the Midwest.