OKC Energy ownership will not apply for next month's MLS expansion bid

OKC Energy FC owners Bob Funk Jr., left, and Tim McLaughlin remain committed to pursuing a Major League Soccer franchise in Oklahoma City, but they did not feel ready to apply before the league's upcoming Jan. 31 deadline for the next round of expansion. [PHOTO PROVIDED]

OKC Energy owners Bob Funk Jr. and Tim McLaughlin continue to move forward with their Major League Soccer expansion plans — plans that include the development of a stadium near Bricktown.

Their timeline for an expansion bid, however, does not match Major League Soccer's current plans.

The Energy ownership group will not apply for an MLS expansion franchise in Oklahoma City before the league's upcoming Jan. 31 application deadline, Funk said in an interview with The Oklahoman.

MLS announced plans in September to expand by an additional four franchises, bringing the total to 28 clubs. The league provided further details after last week's Board of Governors meeting, including $150 million in required expansion fees for the first two expansion clubs with the expectation that they will begin play in 2020.