Aditya ChaudhuriThis article contains information about the organisations serving as official sponsors and partners to National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2023/24 season.
Paycom
In 2021, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Paycom announced a 15-year naming rights partnership agreement, which made the American online payroll and human resource software provider the title sponsor of the Thunder’s home ground, which is since thusly called “Paycom Center”.
The naming rights agreement consists of several marquee signage locations inside the stadium, including its exterior and roof, game floor, scoreboard, and on-court signage in front of the players’ bench.
Zaxby’s
In 2017, the Oklahoma City Thunder introduced many new features to their arena as part of a partnership with Zaxby’s, which thus became the new presenting partner of the franchise.
Zaxby’s is an American chain of fast-casual restaurants that signed a multi-year partnership agreement with the Thunder, earning in the process its own zone in their home stadium called “Zaxbyzone”.
As a part of this agreement, for every Thunder regular- and post-season NBA home game, the team offer 50 pairs of tickets to their fans (also registered Zaxby’s customers) via draws.
AAWOL
AAWOL is an athlete-focused apparel company. In 2021, it announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which aimed at releasing collaborative products, marketing elements, in-arena signage, and various digital activations.
As per the deal, AAWOL serves as the official branding and naming partner to the Thunder’s official merchandise shop.
OU Medicine
In 2018, OU Medicine and the Thunder announced a ten-year partnership agreement, which made the former the official health partner of the latter.
As per the agreement, OU Medicine works with the team on a number of organisational, medicinal, and community initiatives. It also provides expertise and resources to the Thunder medical staff for creating elite conditions for player training, treatment, and care.
An outside part of the agreement also sees the two organisations focus on public education and awareness projects about key health and wellness issues.
Verizon
The US telecom giant has its 5G spread across 60 NBA arenas, having signed multi-year agreements with 15 NBA franchises, the Thunder being one of them.
Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network enables franchises to provide their fans with more immersive experiences while allowing their arenas to use next-gen solutions for operational purposes around public safety, access, concessions, and crowd management.
Kia
South Korean multinational automaker Kia and the Thunder have enjoyed a longstanding relationship since 2012, when the former became the team’s Official Automotive Partner.
As per the deal, Kia enjoys brand visibility through displays and fan-friendly promotions. The Kia logo also continues featuring across the social media platforms and other digital assets of the Thunder.
Bally Sports
Bally Sports Regional Networks is also an official partner of the Oklahoma City Thunder and continues to broadcast their NBA games via its platforms.
OG&E
Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) and the Oklahoma City Thunder initially teamed up for the first time in March 2014 on a five-year deal, as per which OG&E provided renewable credits to the Thunder home arena on game days as well as their corporate offices, practice facility, and event facility.
The two continue their partnership to this day, with OG&E enjoying brand visibility by appearing across the social media channels of the Thunder and their other digital assets.
Anheuser-Busch
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the world’s largest brewing company, Anheuser-Busch, have been in a longstanding relationship which began back in 2008.
Most recently, in 2021, the two parties announced the renewal and expansion of their deal, which now sees the Thunder fanbase interact with the team in more ways than before. AB InBev also enjoys brand visibility by appearing on the official Thunder social media pages.
Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s Travel Stops, a company that has served as an official Thunder partner for the last 20 years, announced the multi-year extension of its partnership with the team in April 2023.
The deal puts the Love’s Travel Stops logo on the top-left corner of the Thunder gameday jersey. Existing initiatives between the parties, such as the naming rights of (Love’s) Loud City and (Love’s) Kiss Cam along with other community activities, have also continued.
Simple Modern
Simple Modern and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been partners for the last two years, aiming to provide as many basketball camps as possible to young children.
It was announced in August 2023 that the two parties would continue working together on spreading the importance of life skills through the sport of basketball.
