OKC Secure Arena Naming Rights Partner
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a naming rights partner for their upcoming downtown arena. With a name in place, the venue edges toward its 2028 opeing, marking a major step for the franchise and city.
In summer 2025 Oklahoma City and the Thunder have unveiled first concrete architectural designs for its planned new multi-purpose arena. The NBA team OKC Thunder is set to move into the new, nearly 1 billion US dollar (approx. 920m EUR / 790m GBP) venue at the end of 2028.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Continental Resources jointly announced a 15-year naming rights partnership for “Continental Coliseum”, the new state-of-the-art arena rising in downtown Oklahoma City. Demolition of the site is nearing completion, and the construction team will begin mobilizing soon. Continental Coliseum is targeted to open in late summer 2028, the Thunder will continue to play at Paycom Center until the new venue opens.
In magazine issue stadiaworld INSIDE 1/2025, stadiaworld already took a look at the proposed arena development, its financial structure, and how the project aims to support the city’s growth while securing the Thunder’s future in OKC. Click here to directly access the article in the ebook, which also includes a short interview with Paycom Center's General Manager Chris Semrau.
“We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “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 organization 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.”
The new arena name takes effect immediately and will be reflected on current construction fencing, future exterior and interior venue signage throughout the building, and the elevated partnership will include expanded community initiatives focused on advancing literacy and education across Oklahoma. Many of Continental’s existing partnership assets, including the Continental Orb, will continue as well.
“This partnership builds on a strong, long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City,” said Will Syring, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Thunder. "What we’ve accomplished together to date made this a natural next step. This expanded collaboration goes beyond naming rights; it represents a meaningful commitment to community investment, including support for literacy initiatives that will benefit Oklahomans across our state.”
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters approved construction of a new, city-owned arena, now named Continental Coliseum. Under the terms of the Thunder’s arena agreement with the City, the team has the ability to negotiate a naming rights agreement. Designed by MANICA Architecture and built by Flintco-Mortenson, Continental Coliseum promises to be one-of-a-kind; unique and transformative for Oklahoma’s capital city and serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance. Continental Coliseum will host a variety of events beyond basketball. From top touring artists to family shows to national sporting events, the venue will be a top destination in the region for live experiences. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new arena is scheduled for March 26, 2026, with construction to begin shortly after. (stadiaworld, 25.03.2026)
