Thunder-Continental Resources elevated deal

Article posted by Coliseum, April 10^th, 2026

Image: @okcthunder on X

The National Basketball Association (NBA) team Oklahoma City Thunder and the American oil and natural gas company 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, Oklahoma (US).

‘NBA’ stated that demolition of the site is nearing completion and the construction team will begin mobilizing soon. The Continental Coliseum is targeted to open in late summer 2028 ushering in a new era for sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will continue to play at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City until the new venue opens.

The Oklahoma City Thunder is an American professional basketball team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (US). The Thunder competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference.

The 18,203-capacity Paycom Center is an arena located in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. It opened in 2002 and since 2008 has served as the home venue for the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Oklahoma City Thunder.

Continental Resources, Inc. is the largest privately-held oil and natural gas producer in the world. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (US) Continental has a long track record of innovation in unconventional resource development.

Continental Coliseum is an under construction indoor arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Its capacity is To Be Determined (TBD). The opening is planned for 2028. It will be owned by Oklahoma City and operated by Legends Global.

New York (US)-based Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues and brands.  They deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services that keeps their partners front-and-center through their white-label approach. Their partners engage Legends Global at the earliest stages of feasibility and design through project development to bring their visions to life.

Commented Clayton I. Bennett, Chairman, Oklahoma City Thunder, “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. The 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.”

Opined Harold Hamm, Founder-cum-Chairman, Emeritus of Continental Resources, “Continental could not be prouder 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. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”

‘NBA’ further stated that 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.

Added Will Syring, Vice-President, Corporate Partnerships, Oklahoma City Thunder, “This partnership builds on a strong, longstanding relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City. 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 the literacy initiatives that will benefit the Oklahomans across our State.”

Observed Doug Lawler, President-cum-head honcho, Continental Resources, “There are many parallels between the Thunder and Continental Resources – values like fierce competition, innovation and a relentless commitment to performing at our very best. Both the organizations are constantly exploring for the very best talent and creating environments where people can compete, innovate and win. This elevated partnership with the Thunder is a natural fit and we look forward to welcoming the Oklahomans and the visitors from around the world to the Continental Coliseum for many years to come.”

Continental Coliseum will host a variety of events beyond basketball. From top touring artistes to family shows to national sporting events the venue will be a top destination in the region for live experiences.

In December 2023, the Oklahoma City voters approved construction of a new, city-owned arena, now named the 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 the 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.

Kansas City (US)-based MANICA Architecture provides its clients with the unique combination of large-scale project experience and the personality and creativity of a boutique international design studio. Unlike many large architectural firms that specialize in projects of similar scale MANICA is dedicated to ensuring that all of its clients are given the personal attention and unparalleled expertise they deserve.

Founded in Tulsa (Oklahoma) in 1908, Flintco has over a century of building experience in Oklahoma and around United States. Its experience includes $508M in construction annually in the State of Oklahoma and they maintain a focus on delivering innovative construction solutions. Mortenson is a family-owned American company established in 1954. Supported by the strength of the entire organization Mortenson’s dedicated sports group is ranked among United States top sports contractors and has experience on over 300 sports + entertainment projects valued at $20 billion.

Concluded Bennett, “The Continental Coliseum is so unique and evokes a sense of pride in the strength and resilience of our community. The name represents the spirit of competition and excellence. We’re thrilled for the Thunder, Continental Resources, the city, and every citizen who voted ‘yes’ for the future of Oklahoma City.”

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