Founded in 1975 as a member of the North American Soccer League, the team played two seasons in San Antonio before the franchise rights were moved to Hawaii.

The team was owned by Herman Warden "Ward" Lay Jr., son of the founder of the Frito-Lay potato chip empire.

[5] In Late January 1975 the Thunder traded the contract rights to Sergio Velazquez and their 1976 and 1977 first round draft picks to the Los Angeles Aztecs in return for seven players including Luis Marotte and Renato Costa.

[11] Before the season began, the team added Jado Hasanbegović, Chris Carenza, Dan Counce, and Mark Stahl to the roster.

[11] The Thunder ended the 1975 North American Soccer League season with 6 wins and 16 losses and in last place in the Central Division.

[29] In what was considered an upset, the Thunder defeated the Cosmos 1–0, with rookie goalie Peter Mannos saving a shot made by Pelé.

[34] During a press conference on September 16, 1976, owner Ward Lay announced that GM Jim Smith had resigned and that due to lack of local support were considering a move to Hawaii.