Former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook is teaming up with Oklahoma City investor Christian Kanady to develop the stadium district south of Bricktown and will also be an owner in Kanady’s sports and entertainment company.
The investment by Westbrook, described as being an “eight-figure” deal (at least $10 million), follows months of negotiations that coincided with Kanady buying a majority interest in the Energy FC and announcing plans to start a women’s soccer team.
The deal with Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is with the sports and entertainment division of Kanady’s company Echo. Westbrook, who plays for the Denver Nuggets, spent the majority of his NBA career as a star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2008 and 2019.
Westbrook remains the most beloved player in Thunder history. After co-star Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State in the summer of 2016, Westbrook doubled down in his commitment to the Thunder. Westbrook was named league MVP in 2016-17. Six seasons removed from playing for the Thunder, Westbrook still receives a raucous ovation every time he returns to Paycom Center.
“My time with the OKC Thunder shaped so much of who I am, so becoming Christian’s partner and investing in the city’s continued growth is not only exciting personally, but Echo’s Sports and Entertainment vertical is unlike anything else I’ve seen in the space,” Westbrook said. “The opportunity to collaborate on a shared vision — combining the long-term, purpose-driven work I’m developing at RWE with what Christian is building at Echo and Connective Capital — is something I’m incredibly proud to bring to my entire platform.”
Kanady’s company recently completed a deal with the city of Oklahoma City that provides land for construction of a MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium that is set to be built next year and open in 2027.