History of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Lore & Background

The Thunder's inaugural 2008–09 season began with a preseason loss in Billings, Montana, and a regular-season home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. After a 3–29 start, the team fired head coach P. J. Carlesimo and assistant Paul Westhead; Scott Brooks took over on an interim basis. The Thunder finished 23–59, improving on the previous Seattle season's 20–62 record. Forbes estimated the franchise value at $300 million in December 2008, a 12 percent increase from the prior year, and noted 100 percent of available tickets sold.

In 2009–10, the Thunder drafted James Harden third overall and traded for Byron Mullens. Led by Kevin Durant's scoring title (30.1 points per game), the team finished 50–32, more than doubling its win total. They earned the eighth seed and won their first playoff game in Oklahoma City against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, though they lost the series 4–2. Forbes estimated the franchise value at $310 million with an operating profit of $12.7 million.

The 2010–11 season saw the Thunder improve to 55–27, capturing their first division title since moving to Oklahoma City. They defeated the Denver Nuggets 4–1 in the first round and the Memphis Grizzlies in seven games to reach the Western Conference Finals. Forbes estimated the franchise's worth at $329 million, with revenue of $118 million and operating profit of $22.6 million.

Reader's Guide

The Oklahoma City Thunder represents a successful relocation in NBA history, transforming a struggling Seattle franchise into a profitable and competitive team. Within three seasons of moving, the Thunder doubled its win total, made the playoffs, and reached the Western Conference Finals. The team's financial turnaround was dramatic: Forbes estimated a 12 percent increase in franchise value in the first year and consistent growth thereafter, with operating profits rising sharply. The Thunder's early success was built on drafting and developing Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka, a core that made them perennial contenders. The relocation also left the SuperSonics' name, logo, and colors in Seattle, preserving the possibility of a future NBA franchise there. The Thunder's identity—chosen for Oklahoma's location in Tornado Alley and the 45th Infantry Division's Thunderbirds—reflects local culture. The team's rapid rise from a 23-win inaugural season to a 55-win division champion illustrates how a change in market and management can revitalize a franchise.

Did You Know?

• The Thunder's name was chosen because Oklahoma is frequently hit by powerful storms due to its location in Tornado Alley, and Oklahoma City houses the 45th Infantry Division, the Thunderbirds.
• In their first season, the Thunder wore generic black and white jerseys reading 'OKC-NBA' during summer league and were represented by that design in NBA Live 09.
• The Thunder's temporary practice facility was the Sawyer Center at Southern Nazarene University, previously used by the New Orleans Hornets after Hurricane Katrina.
• Forbes estimated the franchise's value increased from $268 million in Seattle to $300 million after the move to Oklahoma City.