{"id":173037,"date":"2025-07-15T20:33:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/173037\/"},"modified":"2025-07-15T20:33:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:33:10","slug":"thunder-set-to-be-sold-despite-owners-never-reaping-a-nickel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/173037\/","title":{"rendered":"Thunder Set To Be Sold Despite Owners Never Reaping A Nickel"},"content":{"rendered":"

OKLAHOMA CITY \u2013 Thunder<\/a> are celebrating their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. This banner is the crown jewel of a vision that started in 2006 when Professional Basketball LLC bought the Seattle Supersonics for $350 million. Yet even with this momentous victory, big changes loom. A source close to Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett told the Tulsa World that the booming value of NBA franchises makes it likely that the Thunder will be sold soon. Berry Tramel of Tulsa World first broke this development.<\/a><\/p>\n

Thunder Set To Be Sold Despite Owners Never Reaping A Nickel
\nOwners Have Achieved Their Goal
\n\"ThunderJun 24, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder fans celebrate with the team during the Oklahoma City Thunder Champions parade. Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

With the championship secured, the Thunder ownership has fulfilled its ultimate mission. Bringing the NBA to Oklahoma was their first dream. Hanging a championship banner was their second. Both boxes are now checked. With both goals achieved, it is prudent for them to finish their next big project, then cash in on their asset: the arena.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe owners could wait until the Thunder\u2019s new $1 billion arena opens in 2028, which will be another landmark event for the franchise, city and state,\u201d Berry Tramel writes.<\/p>\n

The new arena<\/a> alone could boost the Thunder sale price significantly. Remember, the City is funding the project. The owners are only paying $50 million for an arena that could add a billion dollars or more to the franchise\u2019s valuation.<\/p>\n

Skyrocketing NBA Valuations Drive Thunder Sale Talks<\/p>\n

NBA team prices are on an upward rocket. The Boston Celtics<\/a> sold for $6.1 billion<\/a> earlier this year. The Buss family is selling a majority stake<\/a> in the Lakers<\/a> for a $10 billion valuation. Just months ago, CNBC valued<\/a> the Lakers at $7 billion and the Thunder at $3.5 billion. If the Thunder are sold, the team should command at least $4 billion, matching the Phoenix Suns\u2019 sale price in 2023.<\/p>\n

Selling for more than ten times the 2006 purchase price might be too tempting for the Thunder\u2019s partners to pass up. None of the current Thunder owners are younger than 65. Few NBA teams ever transfer to second-generation family members. Most are sold to outside investors.<\/p>\n

The Owners Never Touched The Money<\/p>\n

Bennett has made it clear the owners never took money out of the team\u2019s coffers. They have never pocketed a single nickel from the franchise. Some partners put up as much as $70 million nearly two decades ago. Clearly, they didn\u2019t buy the team as a business venture. But with franchise values soaring, times have changed. It makes so much sense for the Thunder to be sold soon.<\/p>\n

The roster is young and ready for more success. The new arena is coming. The Thunder\u2019s lease runs through 2050. These factors only make the sale more logical.<\/p>\n

Could The Thunder Move?<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a fear lurking in the background if the Thunder sale goes through. Oklahoma City is the NBA\u2019s third smallest market, ahead of only Memphis and New Orleans. The worry is valid. However, the city protected itself in the lease. If the new owners move the team, they must pay Oklahoma up to $1 billion in fines.<\/p>\n

Thunder\u2019s Legacy Will Outlive The Sale<\/p>\n

The Thunder could get non-Oklahoma owners for the first time. But the current ownership has given Oklahoma a lasting gift: a championship, a future-proof arena, and a solid lease. Whether the Thunder are sold in 2028 or later, the foundation for long-term success is set.<\/p>\n

A Thunder sale may change the names on the paperwork but it won\u2019t erase the roots this franchise has built in Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n

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