It’s the Oklahoma City Thunder’s world and we’re all just living in it.
Fresh off an NBA championship, Oklahoma City has revealed its plan for a new $900million state-of-the-art arena.
Renderings have been released to the public for the first time, showing a massive glass curtain wall that engulfs the entire arena.
It is projected to cost $900m, and will be reportedly funded 85 per cent by local taxpayers.
As is ever the issue with new stadiums and arenas being built, a lot of the bill tends to fall on its residents, with the news of the arena leaving fans all saying the same thing.
“Mfs win a championship and start acting different,” one fan joked on X.
“Aww now I see why they won, gotta fund this arena,” another commented.
“Ownership is paying almost none of the bill. Congratulations to the taxpayers of Oklahoma City,” a third chimed in.
Not cheap, but well deserved.
It’s not like Thunder owner Clay Bennett has cheated out elsewhere. Far from it.
OKC hasn’t spared any expense since hosting the Larry O’Brien Trophy after a scintillating seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers.
Since winning the title, Bennett and general manager Sam Presti have opened the checkbook, and have signed their three biggest stars to massive extensions.
Franchise centerpiece and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285m supermax.
Running mate Jalen Williams agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287m and Chet Holmgren landed himself a five-year, $250m max extension.
Do the math, and that’s an historic $822m in new extensions given to the Thunder’s three young stars.
The piper will eventually come due, as there is no way they can keep their entire core intact after next season, but locking down their big three was a must.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Thunder will have a projected payroll of $246m two seasons from now, which will put them over the first and second apron.
Isaiah Hartenstein is surely out the door. Alex Caruso? Lu Dort? Their days in OKC are likely numbered.
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However, because of Presti’s wizardry, the Thunder have an embarrassment of riches in the form of dozens of draft picks, largely in part to one of the worst trades in NBA history, and a handful of non-guaranteed contracts, leaving them plenty of room to work with.
Meanwhile, the new arena is set to open in 2028, and while the rest of the roster will be a question mark in terms of who will still be on it, we know the three guys that will be there no matter what.
Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. Not a bad big three.
Let the good times roll in OKC.