With a championship won, a $1B arena on the way, and skyrocketing franchise valuations, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s aging ownership group is reportedly considering a sale. A 10x return on their original investment may be too tempting to resist.
With their first NBA Championship secured and a new $1 billion arena on the horizon, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s ownership group, led by Chair Clay Bennett, may soon look to cash in on their wildly appreciated asset.
Points this season
Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA
According to a report by Berry Tramel of the Tulsa World, it is “quite likely” that Bennett and his partners will consider selling the franchise in the near future—perhaps even before the new arena opens in 2028.
Tramel notes that the Thunder ownership group—comprised largely of local business leaders, all of whom are now older than 65—has already accomplished their original vision: bringing an NBA team to Oklahoma City, establishing it as a competitive and culturally embedded franchise, and now, raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“They’ve achieved the ultimate goal,” Tramel writes, “and there is one fewer reason for the group to hold onto the team.”
Record Franchise Value Could Drive Decision
When Bennett’s group purchased and relocated the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma in 2006, they reportedly paid $350 million. In today’s booming sports franchise economy, with NBA team valuations soaring, the Thunder could potentially sell for more than $3.5 billion—a 10x return on their original investment.
That kind of windfall may prove irresistible, especially considering recent comparable transactions like the Phoenix Suns sale to Mat Ishbia for $4 billion and the growing interest from global investment groups, tech moguls, and private equity firms.
New Arena, Long-Term Lease Add to Appeal
Another variable in the timeline is the new downtown arena, a $1 billion facility expected to open in 2028, backed by public funding and designed to keep the Thunder in Oklahoma City long-term. The team’s lease runs through 2050, eliminating relocation concerns—a major advantage for any prospective buyer.
The arena project is not just a city infrastructure achievement but a major asset for franchise valuation. It enhances the team's revenue potential and further stabilizes its presence in the market.
“The opening of the new arena will be another landmark event for the franchise, the city, and the state,” Tramel adds.
A Team on the Rise
The timing of the potential sale also aligns with a peak in organizational strength. Beyond their historic championship run, the Thunder boast a young, dynamic core led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, along with one of the NBA's deepest war chests of draft picks. The team is well-positioned to remain competitive for years to come.
This isn't a fire sale or a desperate exit—if a sale happens, it would be a strategic move at maximum value.
Tramel emphasizes that any new ownership group would be expected to keep the team in Oklahoma, especially with the arena deal and long-term lease in place. The Thunder have become a point of civic pride, with strong fan engagement and political support. While ownership could change hands, relocation is not anticipated.
Between their championship momentum, escalating franchise values, an aging ownership group, and a new arena solidifying the team’s future in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are arguably more attractive to buyers than ever before. Whether the sale comes next year or post-2028, the conditions suggest that the right time to sell is approaching fast.
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