by Per Gary Moody
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the first and only men’s league designated by USASA as a Tier 1 national league, is proud to announce that Oklahoma United FC has joined the league. The club will begin play in the 2025 season.
“We are excited to welcome Oklahoma United FC into the NPSL family,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “This club is making a significant investment in American soccer and the NPSL. They are truly committed to growing the game in Oklahoma, and we look forward to their success on and off the field for years to come.”
The club is owned and operated by Dawn Sports and Entertainment LLC. M. Abdullah Ashraf serves as the Club President/CEO and Partner, bringing a wealth of experience in business development and strategic growth. Zain N. Ahmed and Sauban H. Dugan are both Executive Vice Presidents and Partners with deep expertise in commercial real estate and a passion for sports and community engagement. Together, they are committed to building a club that blends high-level business acumen with a strong community focus, creating a long-term impact both on and off the field.
“We aim to build a strong, supportive community that is united by a shared love for the game of soccer,” Ashraf said. “Our focus is on creating a family atmosphere where fans, players, and staff all feel connected, both to each other and to the sport. We want to establish a movement in Oklahoma City that celebrates the authenticity of soccer — its passion, its values, and its power to bring people together. While we aim to compete at a high level, our true goal is to lay the foundation for something long-lasting and special, creating a legacy that reflects the spirit of our hometown.”
Home matches will be played at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Chad Richison Stadium. The facility provides a state-of-the-art digital experience, comfortable and high-capacity seating, first-class locker rooms, quality food and beverage services, extensive and accessible parking, and a beautiful all-around athletic space.
The club also has a new lighted practice facility currently under construction in Northeast Oklahoma City. The 79-acre complex will serve as a home base for the many community projects and volunteer engagements the club is now undertaking. The club is excited about how this facility is rooted within the community and will serve as another reflection of the club’s values.
“We chose to join the NPSL because we were genuinely impressed by the high-quality soccer we saw from the league’s teams,” Ashraf added. “The level of play on the pitch is exceptional, and it aligns with our desire to compete at the highest possible standard. Beyond soccer, we also noticed that the NPSL is a league that is incredibly engaging, business-minded, and driven — qualities that mirror our own approach to building our club. We value hard work, ambition, and a forward-thinking mindset, and we believe these attributes will help us thrive within the league. We’re excited for this partnership because it provides the perfect platform to grow our team, engage with our community, and contribute to a league that shares our vision of excellence.
Fans and supporters can learn more by visiting Oklahomaunitedfc.com or following the club on Facebook (@oklahomaunitedfc), Instagram (@oklahomaunitedfc), and Twitter/X (@OklaunitedFC).
More information about expansion opportunities in the NPSL can be found at npsl.com/expansion.
