Rumor: Sting part of bid to bring NASL team to Orange County?

Here's an interesting two-part soccer rumor. Northern California-based journalist Evan Ream tweeted out a rumor with two different, fascinating parts.

First, the more serious side of the potential story:

Hearing that SF won't be the only West Coast NASL team. Sources telling me that Orange County will likely be in the league as well (1/2)

— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) December 11, 2015

Haven't heard a time table for the Orange County NASL team, but would guess 2017 as a start date if bid is accepted (2/2)

— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) December 11, 2015

Now, Ream then clarified on Twitter that the current pro team in Orange County, the USL's Orange County Blues, were not part of this apparent effort to move to NASL. For those who have followed that team, that is not a surprise in the least, as they seem to have found their level.

Of course, we've heard before that an announcement on a Los Angeles NASL team was imminent, only for absolute silence and the reports to disappear altogether. Given that it's a different location, in Orange County, maybe it's different this time, who knows.

But here's where the rumor gets really, ahem, entertaining:

Breaking: can confirm that the rumor that the singer Sting is in fact involved with the NASL to Orange County bid

— Evan Ream (@EvanReam) December 11, 2015

Now the NASL have gotten in the habit of celebrity owners of late, with Carmelo Anthony getting an expansion club in Puerto Rico and a random Spanish team jumping in on an expansion bid in Oklahoma City. And also there's nothing that says celebrities can't own soccer teams and be effective in whatever capacity. I mean, Elton frickin' John owned and ran Watford FC back in the day and did a solid job, all while being a recording superstar.

But still. Having a celebrity connected to what looks like a vanity project in Southern California looks funny as an initial report. Maybe it's legit and maybe it will come together, but the initial impression is to make jokes, which many people have done on social media so far.

At any rate, we'll follow this story if there's more to it, and if it does progress we can talk about the brass tacks like where the team could play. Stay tuned.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!