On September 3, 2008, a new chapter in NBA history was written; not in Seattle, but in Oklahoma City. That day, team officials unveiled the name and logo of the league’s newest franchise: the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the official transformation of the former Seattle SuperSonics into a team with a fresh identity and a new home.
The relocation of the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City was one of the most controversial moves in NBA history. After years of arena disputes and ownership changes, the franchise was purchased by Clay Bennett’s ownership group, who ultimately moved the team to Oklahoma City. With the move came the need for a new name, one that would resonate with the local culture and reflect the spirit of the region.
The name “Thunder” was chosen to evoke the powerful weather patterns of Tornado Alley, the military heritage of the 45th Infantry Division (nicknamed the Thunderbirds), and the energy and intensity of the game itself. Other names considered during the process ranged from the whimsical (“Lollipops”) to the regional (“Bison,” “Outlaws,” “Wind”), but “Thunder” struck the right chord.
Unveiled at Leadership Square in downtown Oklahoma City, the Thunder’s logo featured bold, traditional lettering and a shield design meant to convey strength and dignity. The color palette, blue, orange, and yellow, was inspired by Oklahoma sunsets and the vibrancy of its landscape.
Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett described the logo as “purposefully designed with simplicity and dignity to let the power of the word ‘THUNDER’ be most clearly presented”. General Manager Sam Presti added, “This is their team and we feel fortunate to represent this community.”
The Thunder’s debut season tipped off on October 29, 2008, against the Milwaukee Bucks. Though the team struggled early on, the seeds of a future powerhouse were already planted. Within a few years, the Thunder would become one of the league’s most exciting teams, led by young stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
Seventeen years later, the Thunder remain a symbol of Oklahoma City’s rise in the sports world, a team born from controversy but embraced with pride. From the roar of the storms to the roar of the crowd, the Thunder name continues to echo across the NBA landscape… now as NBA Champions.
