Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a landmark long-term commercial partnership with Continental Resources, announcing a 15-year naming rights agreement for the franchise’s new NBA arena, set to be known as Continental Coliseum.
The agreement marks a major milestone in the development of the Thunder’s future home venue, currently under construction in downtown Oklahoma City and scheduled to open in late summer 2028 ahead of the 2028–29 NBA season. The arena will replace Paycom Centre as the team’s primary home court and is expected to host a diverse calendar of sporting and entertainment events, including NBA games, concerts, family shows and major touring productions.
Under the partnership, Continental Resources becomes the exclusive naming rights partner of the arena, reinforcing the strong regional connection between the Oklahoma-based energy company and the NBA franchise. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to long-term investment in the city’s sporting and cultural infrastructure, positioning the venue as a key hub for live entertainment in the region.
Clayton I. Bennett, Chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder, said, “We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City. We really wanted an Oklahoma partner for this transitional moment in the history of our city. We are proud to align with an organization that embodies the resilience, ambition, and spirit that define our state. As a company founded and built in Oklahoma, Continental shares our deep roots and enduring commitment to this state. Continental Coliseum will stand as a lasting symbol of that shared commitment — a place where our fans, our city, and our state unite to create unforgettable moments for generations.”
Harold Hamm, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Continental Resources, added, “Continental could not be more proud to partner with the Thunder in this next chapter. The Thunder is a world-class organisation that represents the very best of Oklahoma. When the Thunder came to Oklahoma City, they changed the way this state saw itself. They proved that even a small market can dream big, compete with anyone, and win with heart and grit. That same spirit has defined Continental from the beginning. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”
Beyond venue branding across exterior and interior assets, the agreement is expected to include community-focused initiatives, particularly supporting literacy and education programmes across Oklahoma, extending the partnership’s impact beyond the arena environment.
On the court, the Thunder have emerged as one of the strongest performers this season, leading the Western Conference standings with an impressive 57–16 record, further enhancing the commercial appeal and visibility of the franchise as it prepares for a new era in a state-of-the-art venue.
The deal underlines the continued importance of naming rights partnerships as a central pillar of venue financing models in North American professional sport. Long-term agreements of this nature provide brands with sustained visibility while supporting franchise stability, premium fan experiences and year-round event programming.
With the opening of Continental Coliseum, the Oklahoma City Thunder are positioning themselves for long-term growth across both sporting performance and commercial development, reinforcing Oklahoma City’s status as an emerging destination for major live events.