- City Council schedules Dec. 12 vote for proposed 1% sales tax to fund the new arena
- Thunder’s ownership agrees to contribute $50 million towards arena costs
- The deal includes $70 million from a 2019-approved sales tax for current Paycom Center upgrades
Oklahoma City is making moves to ensure that the Thunder, their beloved NBA franchise, remains at home for the foreseeable future. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council approved a forthcoming citywide vote for December 12, which will decide on a proposed 1% sales tax spanning six years. This tax is intended to fund a massive $900 million downtown arena, a venture that could anchor the Thunder in the city until at least 2050.
The Council’s decision was more than just setting a vote date. They further greenlit a letter of intent with the Thunder’s ownership group. This agreement would obligate the team’s ownership to pitch in $50 million for the arena. Additionally, the city plans to allocate $70 million, sourced from a previously approved sales tax, towards upgrades to the existing Paycom Center.
Mayor David Holt expressed his support and satisfaction with the ongoing negotiations, acknowledging both the Council’s decisions and the Thunder’s partnership. However, the proposal hasn’t been without its detractors. Council members Nikki Nice and JoBeth Hamon voiced their concerns, with Hamon notably pointing out potential imbalances in how such deals benefit the community.
The clock is ticking as the city weighs the future of its NBA franchise, which relocated from Seattle in 2008. If approved, the new arena’s doors could open for the 2029-2030 NBA season, marking a new chapter for basketball in Oklahoma City.
The Thuder’s Move From Seattle
The Thunder’s relocation from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008 remains one of the most discussed and debated franchise moves in NBA history. Initially established as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967, the team enjoyed 41 seasons in Seattle, building a storied legacy and capturing an NBA Championship in 1979. The SuperSonics were more than just a basketball team; they were an integral part of Seattle’s cultural and community fabric.
However, the turn of the century saw increasing tensions around the team’s venue, the KeyArena. There were concerns about its outdated facilities and a growing push for a new arena. In 2006, the franchise was purchased by an ownership group led by Clay Bennett. Though initially promising to keep the team in Seattle, Bennett eventually sought relocation after the local government didn’t approve funds for a new arena.
In 2008, the NBA Board of Governors approved the move, and the SuperSonics became the Oklahoma City Thunder. This transition was met with heartbreak in Seattle, with fans feeling a profound sense of loss. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City welcomed the Thunder with open arms, rapidly establishing a fervent fan base. The move remains a poignant reminder of the business intricacies in professional sports and the deep emotional connections fans build with their teams.
The Future Of OKC Is Secure
The future of the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) looks promising, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also in terms of its young, talented roster and significant draft assets. At the heart of this future is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a premier point guard who, in recent seasons, has stamped his authority on the NBA. With an average of 31.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds last season, Shai’s impressive numbers earned him his inaugural All-Star and First Team All-NBA selections, establishing his position as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Surrounding Shai is a group of young prodigies that could very well be the next big thing in the league. Players like Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, and Jalen Williams have all shown promise, proving that the future of OKC is not reliant on just one star. Another vital piece to the Thunder’s puzzle is Chet Holmgren. Though a rookie-year injury sidelined him, his G League performances have been nothing short of spectacular. If these displays are a harbinger of what’s to come, the Thunder might very well have another superstar in their ranks.
Further bolstering OKC’s future is the trove of draft picks they’ve acquired over recent years. With the potential of having as many as four first-round picks in the upcoming year alone, the Thunder have the opportunity not only to add fresh talent but also to leverage these picks in trades, enhancing their roster even more.
Ensuring the team’s long-term stability and success will hinge on prudent management decisions, keeping injuries at bay, and fostering a conducive environment for young talent to thrive. If the proposed new arena becomes a reality, it will solidify the team’s position, providing them with state-of-the-art facilities and reinforcing the city’s commitment to its beloved NBA franchise. All signs point to a bright horizon for the Thunder, and the city of Oklahoma City has every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.
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