Champions of the court—and the market?

By : J. David Chapman/June 26, 2025

Our family have been Thunder fans from the beginning. When the team first arrived in Oklahoma City, we were there—season tickets in hand, watching the ups and downs, the rebuilds, and the rise. We’ve cheered from the nosebleeds and from center court, and like so many others in Oklahoma, we’ve made the Thunder part of our lives.

But as the final seconds ticked off the clock and the confetti fell after Game 7, my thoughts went somewhere unexpected: real estate.

Championships change things. They put cities on the map in ways no ad campaign or economic development pitch ever could. A title brings national attention, local pride, and an undeniable surge in energy. For real estate, that combination is powerful.

During the Thunder’s playoff run, downtown OKC felt different. Bars and restaurants were packed. Hotels were full. Short-term rentals booked out. Property owners near the arena told me vacancy rates dropped and inquiries jumped. And it’s no wonder—who doesn’t want to live where the action is?

But beyond the short-term boost, there’s long-term momentum at play. A championship signals to the world that OKC is a major-league city. That can attract new residents, investors, and developers—especially in core areas like Bricktown, Midtown, and Deep Deuce. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some shelved projects get dusted off now that national attention is squarely on the city.

That said, it’s important to keep our feet on the ground. Academic research is clear: sports championships bring a feel-good wave, but they don’t automatically translate into massive economic gains—especially when cities overspend on arenas. The difference in OKC is that we’ve built smart. MAPS, MAPS 3, and now MAPS 4 have all focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and quality of life beyond just the arena.

This championship gives us a moment—a rare one. The Thunder brought home the trophy. Now, it’s our job—city leaders, developers, landlords, and homeowners—to capitalize on the opportunity and keep Oklahoma City moving forward. It’s a chance to push forward on downtown housing, incentivize smart development, and promote urban living. The Thunder did their part. Now it’s our turn. Let’s not just celebrate a win on the court. Let’s build on it—in the neighborhoods, in the skyline, and in the story of OKC.

J. David Chapman, Ph.D., is chair of finance & professor of real estate at The University of Central Oklahoma (jchapman7@uco.edu)