From sold-out arenas to rising home values—why OKC’s momentum is just getting started
There’s a different energy in Oklahoma City right now, and if you live here, you can feel it. The Oklahoma City Thunder bringing home a championship has done more than give us something to celebrate. It has elevated our city on a national stage, bringing attention, excitement, and opportunity in ways that go far beyond basketball. And with the new Continental Coliseum set to open in 2028, this is only the beginning.
When people think about the NBA, they think about the game itself, but behind the scenes there is a powerful economic engine creating real impact in the cities these teams call home. In a market like Oklahoma City, a typical Thunder home game generates an estimated three to seven million dollars for the local economy. During the playoffs, that number increases to roughly five to fifteen million dollars per game. When the NBA Finals come to a smaller market like OKC, each home game can still bring several million dollars in direct economic impact, generally in the range of three to ten million dollars, with the total impact growing even more when factoring in tourism, national exposure, and surrounding business activity.
That is a significant amount of money flowing directly into Oklahoma City, supporting local restaurants, hotels, retail businesses, transportation services, and small businesses. With forty-one home games each season, plus the potential for extended playoff runs, this becomes a consistent and reliable boost to the local economy.
The upcoming Continental Coliseum represents one of the most exciting developments our city has seen in years. Modern arenas are no longer just sports venues; they serve as anchors for entire entertainment districts. The plans surrounding the coliseum include restaurants, retail, hotels, and walkable, lifestyle-focused spaces designed to create a destination experience. Developments like this naturally drive demand. People want to live near the energy, investors want to be close to growth, and businesses want to position themselves where the activity is happening.
After twenty years in real estate, I’ve seen how moments like this shape a market. When a city combines national attention from a championship team with major infrastructure investment and long-term development planning, it creates real movement in real estate. Property values in areas near entertainment and development zones tend to rise over time. Buyer demand increases, including interest from out-of-state buyers and investors who begin to see the city in a new light. There is also growth in luxury and urban living, as more people look for homes that offer convenience, lifestyle, and proximity to amenities. For sellers, this often leads to stronger offers and more favorable terms.
Timing plays a critical role in real estate, and Oklahoma City is in a unique moment. By the time the Continental Coliseum opens in 2028, much of the surrounding growth will already be underway. Buyers who act early may have the opportunity to benefit from future appreciation, while sellers may begin to see increased demand sooner than expected. Investors, in particular, have a window right now to position themselves ahead of the curve.
I was raised in a small southern town where my parents always instilled respect and manners—“yes ma’am” and “no ma’am” were part of everyday life. Growing up that way taught me the value of treating people the right way and carrying myself with integrity. That upbringing made me who I am today: genuine, approachable, and someone who truly cares about the people I work with. I bring that same approach to real estate, making sure my clients feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
I’ve lived in this area for years, raised my family here, and built my business here, and I can say with confidence that the momentum Oklahoma City is experiencing right now is real. The Thunder did not just win a championship; they helped shine a spotlight on a city that is growing, evolving, and creating opportunity at every level. When you combine that with the Continental Coliseum and the development that will follow, you are not just watching a team succeed—you are watching Oklahoma City rise.
At The Agency Oklahoma, we stay on the cutting edge and at the forefront of the real estate market, helping our clients understand not just where the market is today, but where it is headed. If you have questions about the real estate industry, the impact of these developments, or what it means for your home or future investment, I would love to visit with you.
Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to understand how this growth impacts your home’s value please feel free to reach out to me.
Wayne Kirby
Managing Partner/ Broker
The Agency Oklahoma
405-550-5252
