Last Updated on June 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Oklahoma City Thunder franchise began as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1967 before relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. While the team has undergone a major geographic transformation, its ownership history has been relatively straightforward, featuring only a few principal ownership groups.
Sam Schulman and the Schulman Family (1967–1983)
Sam Schulman was awarded the Seattle SuperSonics expansion franchise in 1967 and served as the team’s founding owner. Under the Schulman family’s ownership, the SuperSonics grew into a competitive NBA franchise and won their first division titles. Following Sam Schulman’s death in 1983, ownership remained within the family before the team was sold.
Barry Ackerley (1983–2001)
Media executive Barry Ackerley purchased the SuperSonics in 1983. During his ownership, Seattle enjoyed some of its most successful seasons, including an NBA Finals appearance in 1996 led by Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Ackerley owned the franchise for nearly two decades before selling the team in 2001.
Howard Schultz (2001–2006)
Starbucks chairman Howard Schultz led an investment group that acquired the SuperSonics in 2001. Schultz sought to secure a new arena in Seattle but was unable to reach a long-term agreement. In 2006, his ownership group sold the franchise.
Clay Bennett and Professional Basketball Club LLC (2006–Present)
Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett led an ownership group that purchased the SuperSonics and WNBA’s Storm in 2006. After unsuccessful efforts to secure a new arena in Seattle, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and became the Thunder.
Under Bennett’s ownership, the Thunder quickly emerged as one of the NBA’s top franchises. The team reached the NBA Finals in 2012 and built championship contenders around stars such as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and later Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Oklahoma City Thunder Ownership Timeline
| Owner | Years |
|---|---|
| Sam Schulman & Family | 1967–1983 |
| Barry Ackerley | 1983–2001 |
| Howard Schultz | 2001–2006 |
| Clay Bennett & Professional Basketball Club LLC | 2006–Present |
The Thunder franchise has had only four principal ownership eras since its founding as the Seattle SuperSonics. The current group led by Clay Bennett has overseen the franchise’s entire history in Oklahoma City and its rise into one of the NBA’s premier organizations.