Prodigal LLC, the ownership group of the Oklahoma City Barons announced June 2 that they will operate a USL (United Soccer League) PRO soccer franchise that will begin play in 2014.

“We are thrilled about the addition of Oklahoma City for the 2014 season and as our 15th franchise member,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Oklahoma City is a market that passionately supports its professional sports teams and is quickly establishing itself as a soccer hotbed. Bob Funk Jr. and Prodigal LLC are leaders on both fronts in Oklahoma City and we have no doubt that they will produce a successful franchise for many years to come. With not only USL PRO and US Open Cup action, but also exhibitions involving MLS and international clubs coming to Oklahoma City, it is local soccer fans that are the true winners.”

The USL describes itself as “the strongest, best operated and most experienced North American men’s professional soccer league below and in support of MLS (Major League Soccer).

The league has also “offered a platform for franchises with the aspiration of joining MLS build a strong platform to build from.”

Four of the last five franchises to enter MLS came from the USL and both Holt and Prodigal Senior Executive Vice President of New Business Development John Allgood said that moving from the USL to the MLS in the future was the goal.

The team remains unnamed and a contest to pick the team’s name runs through July 19. The team also needs to secure a venue before opening play next spring.

“I can’t envision a day when there won’t be a professional soccer team in this market,” Holt said. “This is going to be the next overnight success in American professional soccer.”