Russell Westbrook says his time with the Thunder shaped him. Now he’s investing in OKC
Former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook is teaming up with Oklahoma City investor Christian Kanady to develop the stadium district south of Bricktown and will also be an owner in Kanady’s sports and entertainment company.
The investment by Westbrook, described as being an “eight-figure” deal (at least $10 million), follows months of negotiations that coincided with Kanady buying a majority interest in the Energy FC and announcing plans to start a women’s soccer team.
The deal with Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is with the sports
The deal with Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is with the sports and entertainment division of Kanady’s company Echo. Westbrook, who plays for the Denver Nuggets, spent the majority of his NBA career as a star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder between 2008 and 2019.
Westbrook remains the most beloved player in Thunder history. After co-star Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City for Golden State in the summer of 2016, Westbrook doubled down in his commitment to the Thunder. Westbrook was named league MVP in 2016-17. Six seasons removed from playing for the Thunder, Westbrook still receives a raucous ovation every time he returns to Paycom Center.
Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook
Former Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook is teaming up with OKC investor Christian Kanady to develop the stadium district among other investments. Westbrook is seen here in 2016 being greeted by fans as he arrives for a news conference to announce his three-year contract extension with the team.
“My time with the OKC Thunder shaped so much of who I am, so becoming Christian’s partner and investing in the city’s continued growth is not only exciting personally, but Echo’s Sports and Entertainment vertical is unlike anything else I’ve seen in the space,” Westbrook said.
“The opportunity to collaborate on a shared vision
Combining the long-term, purpose-driven work I’m developing at RWE with what Christian is building at Echo and Connective Capital — is something I’m incredibly proud to bring to my entire platform.”
Christian Kanady, left, teamed up with local developer Mark Beffort to build an entertainment district adjacent to the new arena.
Kanady said former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook’s involvement in developing the stadium district will include a promotional role in addition to his investment.
Kanady’s company recently completed a deal with the city of Oklahoma City that provides land for construction of a MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium that is set to be built next year and open in 2027.
In addition to the soccer teams, Westbrook’s investment
In addition to the soccer teams, Westbrook’s investment includes real estate and development ancillary to the stadium and Echo’s Prairie Surf Studios, which is set to vacate its current home next month.
Kanady, who is teamed up with local developer Mark Beffort to build an entertainment district adjacent to the arena, said Westbrook’s involvement will include a promotional role in addition to his investment.
“Having Russ and his brand involved with Echo in OKC is truly a game-changer,” Kanady said. “Russell Westbrook is not only a future Hall of Famer, but also a global icon — dominating the court, walking the runways in Paris, and making a meaningful impact through his Why Not? Foundation.”
Russell Westbrook Enterprises, led by President Donnell Beverly Jr
Russell Westbrook Enterprises, led by President Donnell Beverly Jr., promotes itself as being positioned to help companies achieve their supply chain objectives, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering greater inclusivity.
Echo, meanwhile, is described as a multi-strategy investment firm seeking to revitalize American industries with investments in energy, life sciences, national security, sports and entertainment.
Kanady said he has known Beverly for the past three years, but discussions about an investment in Echo didn’t start until earlier this year after Kanady announced his purchase of a majority interest in Energy FC.
Westbrook previously invested in the Leeds United team in England. Beverly said Kanady’s effort to promote community development, jobs and education is a good fit for RWE’s “Profit with a Purpose” strategy.
“When we discovered that Christian was leading a fresh, innovative approach to investing in sports with soccer and entertainment with soundstages, our response was an immediate and enthusiastic ‘yes,'” Beverly said.
Beffort, who is partnered with Kanady on development of the Convergence bio-tech development east of downtown, said the agreement with the city and locating the stadium was an important step forward to making the stadium district a reality.
“The first phase was understanding where the stadium is going to go, and we’ve done that,” Beffort said. “We need to figure out the entire infrastructure and how we get circulation for pedestrians and vehicles.”
An aerial map of downtown Oklahoma City shows the proposed MAPS
An aerial map of downtown Oklahoma City shows the proposed MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium site and its proximity to other major OKC destinations and venues, including Bricktown, Paycom Center, the upcoming new arena and the OKC Convention Center.
Beffort said the partnership is continuing to acquire and consolidate ownership of about 50 acres, including the stadium site, where the Producers Cooperative Cotton Oil Mill stood for more than a century before closing in 2015.
“Our goal is to break ground with one or two additional properties that will coincide with the stadium and will consist of entertainment or living,” Beffort said. “Ultimately we will have hospitality, living, entertainment, retail and a lot of public space that will connect to Bricktown, downtown and Riversport.”
Kanady said the partnership with Westbrook is one that could include more future opportunities with tie-ins to his media channels and digital advertising.
“Russell is a once-in-a-lifetime partner,” Kanady said. “I’m looking at doing as many things as possible with his organization.”
