Oklahoma’s long-running debate over whether to legalize sports wagering has added a prominent new stakeholder to the mix: the Oklahoma City Thunder. With efforts in the state Legislature still stalled, the NBA franchise is publicly encouraging lawmakers to adopt a framework that would allow the team — or a tribal consortium — to manage a shared sports betting license and collect a small fraction of wagers placed statewide.

The state is one of 11 in the nation without legal sports betting, despite surrounding states — aside from Texas — offering regulated wagering options. Legislators, tribal leaders, and Governor Kevin Stitt have battled for years over the appropriate pathway forward, and how to structure a model that respects Oklahoma’s tribal gaming compacts while also opening the market to new participants.

Thunder seeks role alongside tribes

During a legislative study session focused on sports wagering, Will Syring, the Thunder’s vice president of corporate sponsorships, presented an approach that would authorize either the team or a tribal-led partnership to hold a single state-issued retail and online sports betting license. Under the pitch, approved operators such as major national platforms could partner under that umbrella, with revenue shared among tribes and the franchise receiving 0.25% of the total betting handle.

Syring argued the financial approach aligns with practices in other markets. “In other markets, teams are getting direct licenses,” Syring said according to The Oklahoman. “If they’re getting licenses, they are getting paid off of those bets. The league also only allows you to take a percentage off the top.” He added that a 0.25% share is, in his view, a fair structure that preserves market balance and competitiveness.

The license would be geofenced, allowing the Thunder’s or consortium’s authority only in non-tribal areas. Within tribal territories, individual tribes could operate sportsbook platforms under their own agreements. The model would also maintain exclusivity fee payments to the state, which generated more than $210 million last year for Oklahoma — most benefiting education.

Tribal sovereignty central to negotiations

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association has long held that any legalized system must recognize tribal rights under existing compacts. Association chair Matthew Morgan echoed that position while expressing willingness to collaborate. “If we can find a way forward and work with the Oklahoma City Thunder, that’s what we want to keep in mind as we move forward,” he said. “They’re a big part of the discussion and someone we want to ensure that we listen to their voice and their thoughts.”

Morgan stressed that agreements must comply with the State-Tribal Gaming Act and the federal Indian Gaming Regulation Act, noting that eligibility for sports betting varies among tribes due to different treaty histories and reservation statuses.

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has remained firm in his opposition to any legislation granting tribes exclusive control, repeatedly signaling he would veto such proposals. He previously introduced a framework giving commercial operators online betting access while leaving in-person sportsbooks to tribal casinos, reflecting his push for a hybrid market structure.

Legislative momentum and heightened scrutiny

State Sen. Bill Coleman has championed legalization and led the recent study, emphasizing the need to modernize Oklahoma’s gaming landscape and capture revenue currently flowing to neighboring states or illegal platforms. “Oklahomans are already placing bets by crossing state lines or turning to illegal platforms,” Coleman said. “Right now, none of that activity is happening in a safe, regulated environment that generates tax revenue for the state. Legalizing sports betting would eliminate the black market and give the state and its partners the resources to identify and help problem gamblers.”

Multiple bills previously advanced in the Legislature — including Senate Bill 585 and House proposals from Rep. Ken Luttrell — but failed to cross the finish line. Lawmakers remain optimistic they can revisit the issue in the next session.

The debate is unfolding as the NBA faces scrutiny following federal indictments tied to illegal gambling, including charges against Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. While Oklahoma lawmakers did not address the cases during the study session, the events have intensified national focus on regulated sports wagering.

What comes next

Although disagreements persist, momentum toward legalization appears to be building. Syring voiced optimism, stating, “At the end of the day, all Oklahomans will now have the ability to safely place bets on their phones or at retail locations anywhere in Oklahoma. We would be thrilled to support the solutions moving forward.”

Whether the Thunder’s pitch becomes the basis for legislation or evolves into a broader tribal-team partnership, the next legislative session will likely determine whether Oklahoma joins the fast-growing national sports wagering landscape — or continues to debate from the sidelines.