Thunder's Future Arena Named Continental Coliseum in 15-Year Naming Rights Deal

The Oklahoma City Thunder's planned downtown arena now has a name: Continental Coliseum. The team announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, a naming rights agreement with Continental Resources, a move that signals the oil and gas company's long-term ties to the city.

The reveal took place outside Continental Resources' downtown headquarters, where blue-and-orange balloons marked the occasion. Employees gathered and danced to music from the Thunder drummers, then walked to the edge of Myriad Gardens, close to the arena site. The Millwood Public Schools marching band greeted the crowd there. Davaro Wilson, the district's director of bands, called the performance "a privilege" and "an honor."

Several speakers addressed the gathering, among them Harold Hamm, founder and chairman emeritus of Continental Resources. "All in all, we're extremely proud to be here," he said.

Hamm noted that the company is marking its 60th anniversary and plans to stay in Oklahoma City even as other oil and gas companies scale back operations or depart. "We made our mind up a long time ago that, you know, we want to be a legacy company, and it's for the long run," he said. Putting the company's name on the new arena, he suggested, reinforces that commitment.

Hamm also pointed to the growing role of sports in people's lives. He said he expects significant growth for the Thunder organization, adding that people have more free time than in the past and that attending games with family is a good way to use it.

Will Syring, the Thunder's vice president of corporate partnerships, said the building's design warrants its distinctive name. "There is no other coliseum in pro sports. We think this building will define a generation of architecture," he said. He described the venue as unlike anything currently on the market, citing its glass exterior and bold interior.

Demolition at the arena site is nearly finished, and construction is set to start soon. Continental Coliseum is expected to open in late summer 2028. Until then, the Thunder will keep playing at Paycom Center.

The naming rights agreement runs for 15 years. Hamm said the recognition is well earned and a source of pride for him and for the company's employees. "We deserve this, I think we've earned it," he said, citing the company's deep commitment first to Oklahoma and then to Oklahoma City.