Thunder Announce Naming Rights Contract For $900M Arena in Video, Rendering Photos

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced a naming rights partner for their new arena that's slated to open in 2028.

Continental Resources will sponsor the $900 million venue, Continental Coliseum, for 15 years starting in 2028-29. The Thunder shared new renderings of the arena that reflect the brand partnership:

The Thunder have staged home games at Paycom Center since their 2008 relocation to Oklahoma City. The arena was built in 2002 with an eye toward attracting an NBA or NHL franchise and was the temporary home for the New Orleans Hornets after Hurricane Katrina.

While Paycom Center isn't that old, the city announced plans in 2023 to use significant public funds to help build a new downtown arena that would keep the Thunder in OKC through at least 2050. Voters overwhelmingly approved the new sales tax connected to the deal.

With Continental Resources, the Thunder found an arena sponsor with ties to the city. The privately owned oil and natural gas company is headquartered in Oklahoma City.

"We really wanted an Oklahoma partner for this transitional moment in the history of our city," Thunder chairman Clay Bennett said. "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."