The Oklahoma City Thunder will remain in OKC for the foreseeable future following Tuesday’s voter approval to continue a one-cent tax for six years. Approximately 71% of the 57,926 ballots were in support of extending the tax to fund the construction of a new arena.
The vote caps more than a year of discussions and negotiations. It means the Thunder will get a new home to replace Paycom Center, which has been the home of the Thunder since they arrived in 2008.
The ballot proposal called for the tax extension and the creation of an arena facility sales tax fund that would be used to pay for a new publicly owned venue that will cost, at minimum, $900 million. The ballot proposal also spelled out the Thunder will play at the new arena for at least 25 years.
Though not on the ballot, the Thunder agreed to contribute $50 million toward construction, and at least $70 million will come from the MAPS 4 project. The facility is projected to open by the 2029-30 season.
Following the lopsided election win, Thunder owner Clay Bennett released the following statement:
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement on the new arena approval:
The Thunder have played at Paycom Center since they arrived in 2008, but the arena itself opened in 2002, making it one of the oldest/smallest NBA arenas.
The long-term 15-year lease expired this year, which resulted in the Thunder signing a three-year lease that ends in 2026.
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