An early concept for a new Energy FC stadium
Featured image credit: Oklahoma City Energy FC
NBA star, Russell Westbrook, has invested in the wide-ranging scheme that intends to deliver a new soccer stadium in Oklahoma City.
The 36-year-old, through Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE), has joined forces with Christian Kanady, founding partner of investment firm Echo, on what is being described as an eight-figure investment platform to energise Oklahoma City’s sports and entertainment industries.
Although he now plays for the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook holds strong ties to Oklahoma City having started his NBA career with the Thunder, what ended up being an 11-year spell with the team.
Echo, and Kanady, acquired a majority stake in OKC Energy FC earlier this year. Although still a member of the USL Championship, Energy FC has not competed since the 2021 season owing to its inability to secure a regulation venue, but is seeking to relaunch in 2027 through the development of the new stadium.
RWE’s partnership with Echo’s Sports & Entertainment platform includes the club, but its key element is the multi-purpose stadium project. Earlier this month, Oklahoma City Council approved a real estate donation agreement with Echo to provide nine acres of land that has been identified as the site for the stadium.
The council’s MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium project will dedicate $41m (£32.5m/€38.9m) to construct a new stadium that is capable of hosting high school, collegiate and professional sporting competitions, as well as concerts and other events.
MAPS 4 is the council’s debt-free public improvement programme and is supporting 16 major projects across Oklahoma City. The council has allocated $71m to the stadium project in total.
The Populous-designed venue will have a capacity of around 12,300 seats and will be operated by Energy FC. Surrounding the stadium is a planned 40-plus acre real estate development project aimed at establishing a vibrant entertainment district led by Echo and Robinson Park.
Westbrook, CEO of RWE, said: “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.
“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.”
Kanady, founding partner of Echo, added: “Having Russ and his brand involved with Echo in OKC is truly a game-changer. 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.
“We have a strong conviction in a differentiated investment opportunity in sports, and I’m excited to continue building something extraordinary with Russ, Donnell, and the entire Westbrook team.”
Earlier this month, Legends-owned consultancy and business planning firm, CSL, was hired to carry out a market assessment of the stadium.
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