With groundbreaking expected later this week, Oklahoma City’s new arena is beginning to take shape. On Tuesday morning, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Continental Resources announced a 15-year naming rights agreement for Continental Coliseum, the future home of the franchise. With demolition of the site nearly complete, construction is set to begin soon, and the team will continue playing at Paycom Center until the new venue opens in late summer 2028.
““We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “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. 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.”
Continental could not be more proud to partner with the Thunder in this next chapter. The Thunder is a world-class organization that represents the very best of Oklahoma,” said Harold Hamm, founder & chairman emeritus of Continental Resources. “When the Thunder came to Oklahoma City, they changed the way this state saw itself. They proved that even a small market can dream big, compete with anyone, and win with heart and grit. That same spirit has defined Continental from the beginning. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”
Information about naming rights partner
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Continental Resources is the largest privately held oil and natural gas producer in the world. With the agreement now official, the Continental Coliseum name goes into effect immediately, appearing on construction fencing now and eventually throughout the arena’s exterior and interior.
The partnership also extends beyond signage. It includes expanded community initiatives centered on literacy and education across Oklahoma, while keeping existing elements like the Continental Orb in place.
This partnership builds on a strong, long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City,” said Will Syring, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Thunder. “What we’ve accomplished together to date made this a natural next step. This expanded collaboration goes beyond naming rights; it represents a meaningful commitment to community investment, including support for literacy initiatives that will benefit Oklahomans across our state.”
“There are many parallels between the Thunder and Continental Resources – values like fierce competition, innovation, and a relentless commitment to performing at our very best,” said Doug Lawler, president and CEO of Continental Resources. “Both organizations are constantly exploring for the very best talent and creating environments where people can compete, innovate, and win. This elevated partnership with the Thunder is a natural fit, and we look forward to welcoming Oklahomans and visitors from around the world to the Continental Coliseum for many years to come.”
The new arena is expected to be completed by the start of the 2028-29 season on the same plot of land that housed the former Cox Convention Center, sitting between E.K. Gaylord Boulevard, Sheridan, Reno, and Robinson avenues. The new arena features a 360-degree glass curtain wall with panoramic views and more.
