ENERGY MLS SCUTTLED?

The Oklahoman just ran an article wherein the Energy have backed out of a real estate deal that was centered around a soccer specific stadium with hopes of bringing MLS in the future.

http://newsok.com/article/5551138?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=NIC-Facebook

The franchise tag for an MLS is $150,000,000.00 and MLS execs have noted that "When factoring in training facilities, stadium costs and other requirements, Garber said the total cost for an MLS expansion team will likely require an investment “well north of $300 million” for the ownership group."

I've never thought this viable for OKC for at least another decade. Interesting to see the fallout and/or how professional soccer in Oklahoma moves forward.

Is the Energy planning to apply for DA and/or ECNL i the near future? Would be nice for kids to have options and not have to go south of the border for DA

Applying versus getting are two (2) different things. My suspicion is they will apply and stand a chance at getting boys DA. I highly doubt it on girls as it seems logical their focus would be on boys side as they are a mens professional team seeking to grow an academy et al.

Remember, the DA is funded and costs around $400,000 per year for the club. Add in fact that 50 - 60% of boys are scholarship-ed whereas 90% of girls pay in full you see the necessity for Energy to grow if they want boys DA.

I have no proof but i think the new $120 "Energy" administrative fee being charged to players was designed to generate DA money. That's almost $250,000 for 2000 registered players.

We shall see though...