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With the afternoon sun radiating off a tract of red dirt, Russell Westbrook grabbed a shovel and dug in.
The Thunder legend was back in Oklahoma City on Monday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the multi-purpose stadium that’s set to open in 2028.
Westbrook teamed up with Christian Kanady, the founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital, to develop the surrounding stadium district.
Kanady donated the land just south of Bricktown on which the $121 million stadium, funded by MAPS 4, will be built.
The 10,000-seat outdoor venue will be the home of Oklahoma City’s pro soccer and football teams, which will compete in the United Soccer League and United Football League.
More: Get a first look at new multipurpose stadium planned for south of Bricktown
The stadium will also host concerts and other sporting events.
Oklahoma City’s multipurpose stadium will be constructed simultaneously to the Thunder’s new downtown arena.
“After Saturday night, having you here is like a warm hug that we needed,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt told Westbrook, alluding to the Thunder’s Western Conference finalsGame 7 loss to the Spurs.
Westbrook, who’s set to become a free agent after spending the 2025-26 season with the Kings, just wrapped up Year 18 in the NBA. The fourth pick in the 2008 draft, Westbrook starred in Oklahoma City for the first 11 years of his career.
He was the MVP of the 2016-17 season and remains the Thunder’s all-time leader in just about every statistical category.
More: Here's what Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder players said during 2025-26 exit interviews
It’s been seven years since the Los Angeles native played for the Thunder, but he’s maintained deep roots in Oklahoma City.
His investment in the stadium district is the latest example.
“It started when I was playing here,” Westbrook said. “Creating connections with people who care about the city, care about the community.
“Christian (Kanady) has been great in having big visions, and I think big as well. I wanted to be able to do something big in Oklahoma City.”
Westbrook said it’s his “duty” to pour back into the city.
“I never wanted to let the people down here,” Westbrook said. “I always gave it everything I had.”
More: OKC Thunder roster primer: Draft picks, contracts heading into 2026 NBA offseason
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at [email protected]. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Russell Westbrook remains connected to OKC by investing in new stadium
Continue reading...
The Thunder legend was back in Oklahoma City on Monday for the groundbreaking ceremony of the multi-purpose stadium that’s set to open in 2028.
Westbrook teamed up with Christian Kanady, the founder and CEO of Echo Investment Capital, to develop the surrounding stadium district.
Kanady donated the land just south of Bricktown on which the $121 million stadium, funded by MAPS 4, will be built.
The 10,000-seat outdoor venue will be the home of Oklahoma City’s pro soccer and football teams, which will compete in the United Soccer League and United Football League.
More: Get a first look at new multipurpose stadium planned for south of Bricktown
The stadium will also host concerts and other sporting events.
Oklahoma City’s multipurpose stadium will be constructed simultaneously to the Thunder’s new downtown arena.
“After Saturday night, having you here is like a warm hug that we needed,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt told Westbrook, alluding to the Thunder’s Western Conference finalsGame 7 loss to the Spurs.
Westbrook, who’s set to become a free agent after spending the 2025-26 season with the Kings, just wrapped up Year 18 in the NBA. The fourth pick in the 2008 draft, Westbrook starred in Oklahoma City for the first 11 years of his career.
He was the MVP of the 2016-17 season and remains the Thunder’s all-time leader in just about every statistical category.
More: Here's what Mark Daigneault, OKC Thunder players said during 2025-26 exit interviews
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It’s been seven years since the Los Angeles native played for the Thunder, but he’s maintained deep roots in Oklahoma City.
His investment in the stadium district is the latest example.
“It started when I was playing here,” Westbrook said. “Creating connections with people who care about the city, care about the community.
“Christian (Kanady) has been great in having big visions, and I think big as well. I wanted to be able to do something big in Oklahoma City.”
Westbrook said it’s his “duty” to pour back into the city.
“I never wanted to let the people down here,” Westbrook said. “I always gave it everything I had.”
More: OKC Thunder roster primer: Draft picks, contracts heading into 2026 NBA offseason
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at [email protected]. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Russell Westbrook remains connected to OKC by investing in new stadium
Continue reading...
