"We realize the name may be unpopular with some fans and also realize that it comes with lofty expectations. We are not trying to present this team as the past Roughnecks, because we have so much to prove as both a team and an organization. But, like that franchise, we do want to work to build a club and an operation that everyone in the city can be proud of.

"We hope the name will help introduce the game and the city's soccer history to a new generation of fans."

Dale Hubbard, the second-generation owner of the Tulsa Drillers, is the Roughnecks' majority owner.

"Went Hubbard made a commitment more than 25 years ago to operate a quality, professional baseball franchise in the city of Tulsa," Dale Hubbard said. "We are very excited to now extend that commitment to the beautiful game of soccer with the long overdue return of a professional franchise to our city.

"We look forward to being involved in the soccer community as we are with the baseball community. There is a lot of work to do in the next 12 months, but we cannot wait until the first game comes to ONEOK Field."