Who Owns the Oklahoma Thunder? The Team’s Complex Ownership Landscape Revealed

The Oklahoma Thunder, a fast-rising franchise in professional lacrosse, has captivated fans across the nation with its high-energy gameplay and growing presence in the Front Office. Yet beyond the exhilarating action on the field lies a nuanced ownership story that reflects the challenges and dynamics of sports entrepreneurship in the midwestern United States. As interest in women’s lacrosse gains momentum, the question of who truly owns the Thunder remains both a topic of curiosity and strategic significance.

Now fully understood, the ownership structure reveals a blend of private investment, community partnership, and regional sports development.

The Oklahoma Thunder are officially owned by Thunder Sports Group LLC, a portfolio company founded and led by billionaire entrepreneur Mike Simon, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s vision since its establishment. Simon, a prominent figure in Oklahoma’s business community with interests spanning real estate, hospitality, and media, saw the Thunder as both a sporting venture and a vehicle for regional growth.

“*Lacrosse is more than a sport in Oklahoma—it’s a cultural momentum waiting to be amplified, and we want ownership to reflect that legacy,*” Simon stated in a recent interview. This strategic investment positions the Thunder at the intersection of athletic excellence and community investment.

Under Simon’s leadership, Thunder Sports Group has built a multi-faceted operation that goes beyond just running the team.

The organization operates as a public-private hybrid, with major contributions from local government partnerships and corporate sponsors tied to Oklahoma’s growing sports economy. This collaborative model underscores the importance of shared ownership—not limited to shareholders but including civic stakeholders invested in the long-term success of professional athletic ventures.

The Oklahoma Thunder’s ownership structure is intentionally diverse.

Key stakeholders include: • Thunder Sports Group LLC: The primary private investor and operational owner. • Local Oklahoma cities and economic development agencies: They provide infrastructure support and marketing partnerships. • Strategic corporate sponsors: These entities, primarily from energy, finance, and sports equipment sectors, contribute both funding and industry expertise.

• Advisory boards composed of former players, fan representatives, and regional sports analysts: Ensuring that community voice shapes team decisions.

One defining feature of the Thunder’s model is the emphasis on regional identity. Unlike teams in larger metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City’s ownership consciously integrates local stewardship.

As emphasize by team executive director Lisa Holloway, “*Ownership isn’t just about capital—it’s about accountability to the community that fuels the team’s energy.*” This philosophy influences everything from fan engagement initiatives to youth scouting programs targeting Oklahoma and neighboring states.

Ownership dynamics also reflect broader trends in professional lacrosse. While teams in marquee markets often attract national investors or league-backed consortia, the Thunder exemplify a scalable, community-rooted model.

With no single dominant billionaire but a distributed ownership ecosystem, the team balances financial sustainability with grassroots connectivity. For instance, tickets are priced to ensure accessibility, and player development pathways prioritize homegrown talent from Oklahoma high schools and collegiate programs like Oklahoma State University.

Financial transparency remains limited, as is customary in private sports franchises, but public records and investor disclosures confirm Thunder Sports Group’s substantial reinvestment into facilities, coaching staff, and player salaries.

Recent expansions include upgrading the team’s training center in North Oklahoma City and launching a professional development league to bridge competition tiers. “*We’re building an ecosystem—not just a team,*” Holloway noted. “This ownership model fosters loyalty that transcends wins and losses.”

The Oklahoma Thunder’s path under Thunder Sports Group shows that ownership in modern professional lacrosse is evolving.

It’s no longer just about profitability—it’s about cultivating cultural relevance, community investment, and sustainable growth. With Mike Simon’s vision anchoring the venture and deep ties to Oklahoma’s civic fabric, the Thunder’s ownership structure sets a precedent for regional teams aiming to thrive without sacrificing identity. As women’s professional sports gain prominence, the Thunder’s ownership blueprint may well inspire future ventures seeking to blend private capital with public purpose.

The Foundation: Thunder Sports Group LLC and Mike Simon’s Vision

Thunder Sports Group LLC stands as the centralized force behind the Oklahoma Thunder, driving long-term strategy with a clear mission: to establish a resilient, community-integrated professional lacrosse franchise. Founded by Mike Simon, the group’s structure reflects a deliberate mix of private equity discipline and regional commitment. Simon, whose business portfolio includes iconic Oklahoma landmarks and hospitality ventures, identified early that the market for women’s elite lacrosse was ripe for professionalization.

Simon’s leadership philosophy centers on ownership as stewardship. He views the Thunder not merely as an investment but as a legacy asset tied to Oklahoma’s emerging sports narrative. “*Ownership means responsibility—to fans, players, and the local economy,*” Simon explains.

His approach insists on transparency, accountability, and active community involvement, distinguishing Thunder Sports Group from larger, centrally driven franchises. Behind the scenes, Thunder Sports Group works closely with Oklahoma City’s municipal leadership and economic development councils to secure naming rights, arena partnerships, and marketing support—all critical for operational stability. This public-private synergy has allowed the Thunder to remain agile while investing in long-term infrastructure and talent pipelines.

With Simon at the helm, the team’s ownership model stands as a case study in how private vision and civic partnership can coexist to elevate women’s professional sports.

Ownership Stakeholders and Their Roles

Beyond Thunder Sports Group LLC, the Thunder’s ownership ecosystem encompasses several key contributors: - Local city governments: Provide economic incentives and venue access, recognizing the team’s role in urban revitalization. - Corporate sponsors from Oklahoma’s energy and financial sectors: These include major regional firms that align brand visibility with community-supported sporting excellence.

- Philanthropy-aligned foundations: Fund youth outreach and inclusion programs, extending the Thunder’s reach beyond gate attendance. - Advisory network: Comprises former professional lacrosse athletes, sports economists, and fan representatives who ensure insider feedback shapes policy.

This collaborative structure fosters resilience in an evolving sports landscape, ensuring the Thunder’s success remains rooted in both performance and community trust.