The Athletic is providing live coverage of Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Thunder on the Brink of Championship
INDIANAPOLIS — With the Oklahoma City Thunder just one victory away from their first NBA title, numerous factors underscore their success. Major decisions made by Sam Presti and the front office, including the defining Paul George trade and a pivotal 2022 NBA Draft, have played crucial roles in their journey.
Big-Market Approach in a Small Market
Despite operating in the NBA’s third-smallest media market, Oklahoma City behaves like a large-market team. The league’s collective bargaining agreement establishes a salary cap that mostly affects player expenditures; however, there’s no upper limit on spending for other organizational aspects.
Robust Front Office Investments
Many believe the Thunder boast one of the largest front offices in the NBA, with significant financial commitments to their basketball operations staff. They have 88 staff members in this area, compared to the New York Knicks’ 92 and the Los Angeles Lakers’ 56.
Stability Among Executives
This organization is also marked by a job security level for top executives that is uncommon in the league, facilitating long tenures. General Manager Sam Presti has led the team for 18 years, while VPs Wynn Sullivan and Jesse Gould have been with the team for 13 and 16 years, respectively. Other notable executive Rob Hennigan is in his 12th season with the Thunder.
Financial Commitment to Success
While the team experiences success, only a few top executives have left over the past decade. Additionally, the Thunder have paid $106.44 million in luxury tax since 2002, which ranks them 12th overall; a stark contrast to the Memphis Grizzlies, who have paid it only twice, and the New Orleans Pelicans, who have never paid it.
Future Considerations
This substantial spending was primarily concentrated at the end of the last decade during their pursuit of a championship. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren become eligible for extensions this summer, the Thunder’s financial strategies will be pivotal for their future. Yet, Oklahoma City seems poised to exceed expectations, regardless of market constraints.
Economic Impact of NBA Finals
The financial boost from an NBA Finals appearance is evident, as seen in Indianapolis during the Pacers’ first finals game in 25 years. The energy in the city was palpable, with team merchandise sales soaring to approximately $200,000, around 100 times the usual amount on a similar day when the team is not in the finals.
(Photo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Sam Presti celebrating after the Thunder won the Western Conference finals: David Sherman / NBAE via Getty Images)
