Russell Westbrook Joins Team Behind Oklahoma Sports District

Life in Oklahoma just keeps getting grander for sports fans.

Oklahoma City recently rolled out plans for a new 50-acre sports and entertainment district in downtown, and former Oklahoma City Thunder NBA legend Russell Westbrook has been named creative director of the project.

The project will blend sports, culture, housing, dining, and community into a walkable neighborhood, anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. The stadium will host professional men’s and women’s soccer, high school sports, concerts, and community events.

“We’re not just building a district, we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” Westbrook said. “It’s about belonging, a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”

Designed by renowned architecture firm Populous, the development seeks to connect key areas of the city, including Bricktown, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, Paycom Center, Scissortail Park, and eventually, the new Oklahoma City Thunder arena.

With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, the new district embodies a forward-thinking approach to urban development, making Oklahoma City — and life in Oklahoma as a whole — an increasingly attractive destination for sports fans, families, and professionals looking to level up.

Featured

Why Oklahoma is One of the Last Places Young People Can Own a Home

The Businessman Leading Lifesaving Space Tech

The 10 Best Cities to Live in Oklahoma Right Now

A young family of three celebrates closing on a home in Oklahoma. U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places to Live lists 5 Oklahoma cities for the 2025-26 list.

Five Oklahoma Towns Rank in Best Places to Live in U.S.

A young woman gazing across the great outdoors in Oklahoma. Oklahoma's diverse terrain makes its landscapes unique in the United States, and has ranked it as one of the top most outdoorsy states in the country.

Oklahoma Among Most Outdoorsy States in the U.S.