The Oklahoma City Thunder history unfolds from its origins as the Seattle SuperSonics to its rise as a modern NBA powerhouse. The team carries deep roots in the Pacific Northwest while forging a bold future in Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, blending legacy, resilience, and emerging stars into a compelling and evolving franchise story.
Established
1967
City
Seattle – Oklahoma City
League History
1967 – Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
2008 – Present / Oklahoma City Thunder
1967 – 2008 / Seattle SuperSonics
Nickname
Thunder – The Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the most beloved teams in the NBA, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The team was initially known as the Seattle SuperSonics when it was founded in 1967. In 2008, they moved to Oklahoma City and became known as the Thunder.
The moniker “Thunder” pays homage to Oklahoma's history with Native American tribes that have called this land home for centuries, specifically the Choctaw Nation, located near Oklahoma City, where Chesapeake Energy Arena stands today. This name also speaks to the fact that thunderstorms are common throughout much of Oklahoma, due to its location within Tornado Alley, making it an ideal fit for a professional sports team from this region.
Oklahoma City Thunder Origin
The iconic logo features a bold blue letter ‘O’ surrounded by orange lightning bolts – representing both power and strength associated with thunderstorms but also paying tribute back again towards Choctaw Nation, who were historically referred to as "the people of red & blue." The colors used on their uniforms also draw inspiration from traditional tribal culture, featuring navy blues, bright oranges & yellows alongside white accents, all blended perfectly into one cohesive look that any true fan can appreciate!
When the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City after the 2007 – 2008 season, fans voted on potential nicknames from an original list of 64 possibilities. Thunder was chosen over Renegades, Twisters, and Barons, and the name was extremely well received. The team set sales records for the first day after revealing the nickname. Oklahoma City is home to the 45th Infantry Division, also known as the Thunderbirds.
Championship
NBA Championships 1
2025, 1979
Arena
2012 – Present / Chesapeake Energy Arena
2010 – 2011 / Oklahoma City Arena
2008 – 2010 / Ford Center
*Seattle*
1995 – 2008 / KeyArena at Seattle Center
1985 – 1994 / Seattle Center Coliseum
1978 – 1985 / Kingdome
1967 – 1978 / Seattle Center Coliseum
Owner
2006 – Present / Professional Basketball Club, LLC
2001 – 2006 / Howard Schultz
1983 – 2001 / Barry Ackerley
1967 – 1983 / Sam Schulman
- 2006
- 2007
- 2015
- 2016
- 2025
-
Relocation to Oklahoma City
In 2006, the SuperSonics were sold for $350 million to a group of Oklahoma City investors led by Clay Bennett, a move approved by NBA owners the following October. In 2007, Bennett announced that the franchise would move to Oklahoma City as soon as the lease with Key Arena expired. In June 2008, a lawsuit between the City of Seattle ... -
Drafting of Kevin Durant
On May 22, 2007, the SuperSonics were awarded the 2nd pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, equaling the highest draft position the team has ever held. They selected Kevin Durant out of Texas. On June 28, 2007, the SuperSonics traded Ray Allen and the 35th pick of the 2nd round (Glen Davis) in the 2007 NBA Draft to the Boston ... -
Kevin Durrant Leaves for the Warriors
After the 2015 season, Kevin Durant left the team in free agency for the Warriors. The move was not well received by the public or NBA analysts, with many comparing the move to LeBron James’ 2010 off-season departure from Cleveland to join the Miami Heat. On July 7, he was officially introduced by the Warriors organization[40] and signed a two-year, ... -
Russell Westbook era Begins
On August 4, 2016, Westbrook agreed to a 3-year extension to remain with the Thunder. With an average of 31 points, 11.3 assists, and 10.8 rebounds Westbrook is the first player since Oscar Robertson to still be averaging a triple-double on the season in the month of December. -
OKC Claims First NBA Title
The Oklahoma City Thunder capped off one of the greatest seasons in NBA history by winning their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008, defeating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This marked the franchise’s second title overall and the NBA’s first Game 7 Finals since 2016. The Thunder tied for the ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Oklahoma City Thunder History
The Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics, is a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Founded in 1967 in Seattle, the franchise quickly established itself as a competitive force. It relocated to Oklahoma City before the 2008–09 season, ushering in a new era for Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.
During their Seattle years, the team won three division titles and captured the 1979 NBA championship. They also made Finals appearances in 1978 and 1996, facing iconic teams such as the Lakers and the Celtics. Hall of Fame players like Spencer Haywood and Fred Brown helped build a rich foundation that shaped the early Oklahoma City Thunder history.
Since relocating, the Thunder built a strong core around Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden under coach Scott Brooks. This lineup delivered six playoff appearances, five straight from 2010 to 2015, with two trips to the Western Conference Finals and an NBA Finals berth in 2012. These seasons energized Oklahoma City Thunder basketball and thrilled fans across the league.
Under General Manager Sam Presti, the Thunder began another rebuild, drafting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and other young stars. By the mid-2020s, the team had re-emerged as a serious contender, capturing the hearts of fans with a fast, dynamic style of play that defines modern Oklahoma City Thunder basketball
Oklahoma City Thunder Achievements
The Oklahoma City Thunder history includes two NBA championships: one as the SuperSonics in 1979 and a long-awaited title in 2025 as the Thunder. The franchise also boasts numerous division titles, multiple Finals appearances (1978, 1979, 1996, 2012, 2025), and a reputation for developing elite talent.
The 2025 championship solidified the new era of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a talented young core. This victory marked the culmination of years of planning and placed the Thunder among the league’s elite, promising fans a bright and competitive future at the highest level of the NBA.
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Retired Number
1 / Gus Williams
4 / Nick Collison
10 / Nate McMillian
19 / Lenny Wilkens
24 / Spencer Haywood
32 / Fred Brown
43 / Jack Sikma
– / Bob Blackburn
*Blue is this team’s history
