Rayo Vallecano have launched a new football team in Oklahoma to play in the North American Soccer League.
The Spanish club, who have been playing in La Liga for the past five seasons, unveiled Rayo OKC on Tuesday, becoming the first ever side in Spain's top flight to invest in a pro soccer club in North America.
NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson said at a press conference: "Our launch of Rayo OKC is another groundbreaking addition to the international soccer community.
"The club's unique partnership with Rayo Vallecano de Madrid highlights the global nature of the game and the global vision of the league. Rayo OKC will be the first American club able to take advantage of the expertise of La Liga to identify top players and build its roster accordingly."
Rayo Vallecano owner Raul Martin Presa will be the majority owner of the club in Oklahoma, while local businessman Sean Jones will have a minority stake.
Rayo OKC will take to the pitch competitively for the first time in the 2016 NASL Spring Season.
Danielle Joynson
