The Oklahoma City Thunder will remain in OKC for at least the next generation following Tuesday’s approval of a funding plan for a new arena.
Seventy-one percent of voters supported continuing a one-cent tax for six years to generate at least $850 million for the new arena. Thunder ownership will pay $50 million toward the construction cost.
OKC’s long-term 15-year lease for the Paycom Center expired this year, which led to the Thunder signing a three-year lease that ends in 2026.
Once the new arena is completed, the Thunder will sign a 25-year lease. The facility is projected to open by the 2029-30 season at the latest.
As one can imagine, the reaction among Thunder fans was euphoric. Let’s look at some of the best reactions on X, formerly known as Twitter: