Rayo OKC's majority owners, Rayo Vallecano based in Spain, have received their fair share of local criticism for how they have operated its Oklahoma club.

But Wednesday it received a strong endorsement from one of the world's most successful soccer clubs.

FC Barcelona, in addition opening the club's New York City office Tuesday, announced that it is in discussions for a National Women's Soccer League expansion club. Barcelona would be the second Spanish club after Rayo Vallecano to own a major professional soccer club in the United States.

Speaking about its American business plans, one of the club's vice presidents praised Rayo Vallecano and the contributions it has made to soccer both in Spain and in the United States.