Oklahoma City Thunder New Arena: Continental Resources Secures Naming Rights

The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured a naming rights partner for their new arena, slated to open in 2028, with Continental Resources, an Oklahoma City-based oil and natural gas company. The 15-year agreement, announced Tuesday, will brand the venue as Continental Coliseum.

The deal represents a significant investment in the future of sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City, according to Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the 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,” Bennett said in a statement. “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.”

Continental Resources, the largest privately held oil and natural gas producer in the world, will also benefit from visibility at the current arena site during the construction phase. The new arena is being built adjacent to the Paycom Center, the Thunder’s current home. The team will continue to play at Paycom Center until Continental Coliseum is completed in late summer 2028.

The city of Oklahoma City approved plans for the new arena in December 2023, initiating a multi-year construction process. Once completed, the Thunder have committed to a 25-year lease, ensuring their presence in Oklahoma City through at least 2053. This long-term commitment was deemed critical, as the Paycom Center had reached its capacity for accommodating the evolving needs of an NBA franchise.

The naming rights partnership underscores Continental Resources’ commitment to Oklahoma City, a sentiment echoed by Bennett. “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,” he stated.