Oklahoma City Thunder
Analytics gurus often think of Oklahoma City Thunder as one of the most noteworthy teams out there. This team has embraced the idea of acquiring as many draft picks as they can and using top end math to find the best players. When Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul all wanted a new team, the Thunder traded them for tons of highly skilled draft picks.
The Thunder weren’t seen as a great team for the last few years, but after drafting and developing talent, they’ve quickly risen among the ranks in the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the new leader trying to finish off what Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden couldn’t accomplish in 2012. With all of their draft picks over the next half-decade, the Thunder set themselves up to be a force to be reckoned with for a long time.
Oklahoma Sooners Football
Football for the Oklahoma Sooners is different than it is for most teams. Saturdays are spent tailgating and getting rowdy in the stands, with games usually ending in a Sooners victory. However, just winning isn’t enough. They’re expected to compete for National Championships year in and year out, regardless of how much turnover the roster has.
The Sooners last won the National Championship in 2000, but have made the College Football Playoff four times since its inception, as of 2024. Oklahoma has recently moved to the SEC, with the hopes of getting more exposure and playing against the cream of the crop competition as a way of getting ready for the playoff. Some notable former Sooners players are Caleb Williams, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield. These stars have been number one picks before, or (in Williams’ case) will be by April 2024.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Football
The Oklahoma Sooners aren’t the only major college football team in the state. The Oklahoma State Cowboys have been playing some of their best football over the last decade. This includes multiple weeks spent inside the top 10 teams of the nation. Their stats prove that they’re worthy of admiration and respect.
While the Cowboys haven’t reached the National Championship level of success since 1945, coach Mike Gundy has created a winning culture during his tenure that Cowboys fans can be proud of. With Oklahoma leaving for the SEC, the Cowboys are in charge of keeping the Big 12 football talent in Oklahoma – and continuing the winning tradition.
Oklahoma City Blue
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 22: Lindy Waters III #43 of the Oklahoma City Blue plays against the Delaware Blue Coats during the NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on December 22, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
Having a superb developmental minor league team is one of the most critical parts of a successful franchise. The Oklahoma City Blue do just this for the Thunder. They give younger players the playing experience that they might not otherwise be getting right now. The Blue have been a successful NBA G-League team, winning two titles since 2003.
Keyontae Johnson, who is known for having an incredibly scary incident while playing for the Florida Gators spent time playing for the Blue. During that period, his heart had a chance to heal. He later honed in on skills that were put on hold while he was recovering. Johnson is one of the most inspiring athletes after everything he’s overcome. He’s a big reason the Oklahoma City Blue are as recognized and respected as they are.
Oklahoma City Baseball Club
Basketball isn’t the only sport that uses a minor league. In fact, baseball has almost monopolized the way they’ve done it. One of the most important teams in all of minor league baseball is the Oklahoma City Baseball Club. This is the AAA team that feeds into the Los Angeles Dodgers major league team. Due to how great the Los Angeles Dodgers professional scouting is, you can usually find three or four of MLB’s top prospects playing for them at any given time.
The Oklahoma City Baseball Club are known for also having some of the most fun theme nights in all of minor league baseball to help bring fans to the stadium. They offer tickets for $2 on Tuesdays during the season and fireworks after every Friday game. On Sundays, they allow young kids to run the bases. These ideas have helped grow the popularity of the team in Oklahoma City.
Sports teams and athletes don’t rule Oklahoma on their own, by the way. Click here to read about the top musicians who came straight from Oklahoma.