While OKC will — hopefully — begin the process of constructing a new arena soon, it appears Paycom Center will remain the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the time being.
In a press conference following the announcement of details of a new arena, OKC Mayor David Holt confirmed to local reporters the Thunder will remain at Paycom Center until a new arena is built.
The plan is for a new arena to be open by the 2029-30 season. The estimated construction cost will be over $900 million with Thunder ownership chipping in $50 million.
Pending voters’ approval, a new arena will secure the long-term future of the franchise in OKC as it will keep the Thunder in town beyond 2050.
Building a new arena takes several years to complete, so Holt saying the Thunder will stay at Paycom Center confirms they’ll sign a second short-term lease if necessary.
After their 15-year lease expired earlier this year, the Thunder elected to sign a short-term three-year lease that keeps them at Paycom Center until 2026. The new arena likely will not be ready by then, which means the Thunder will have to sign a third lease with Paycom Center.
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