Clay Bennett is widely recognized as the man who brought the NBA to Oklahoma City. With an estimated net worth of $400 million, Bennett is best known as the chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He led the controversial but ultimately transformative move that relocated the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008. While this sparked backlash from Seattle fans, Bennett’s long-term vision has made Oklahoma a legitimate player in the world of professional sports.
Early Life and Education
Born in April 1959, Clayton Ike Bennett grew up in Oklahoma City in a family with deep business and civic roots. He attended Heritage Hall School and later graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma.
From early on, Bennett showed an interest in finance and public development. His professional foundation was laid in sectors like energy and private investment. Over time, he built his fortune through Dorchester Capital, his private investment firm, with interests ranging from oil and gas to telecommunications and private equity.
The SuperSonics Deal and Relocation
In 2006, Bennett led a group of Oklahoma-based investors operating under the name Professional Basketball Club LLC to purchase the Seattle SuperSonics for $350 million. Although the group initially stated they hoped to keep the team in Seattle, negotiations with the city over a new arena broke down. Bennett then moved forward with plans to relocate the franchise.
In 2008, despite intense resistance from fans and city officials in Seattle, the NBA approved the move. The SuperSonics were rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the state’s first permanent major league sports team.
Building a Winning NBA Franchise
What happened next surprised many. The Thunder quickly became one of the NBA’s most competitive teams. Bennett’s front office drafted and developed a powerhouse roster including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Under his ownership, the Thunder made several deep playoff runs, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012.
On June 22, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic seven-game series. For Bennett, it was the ultimate payoff after nearly two decades of strategic planning and quiet leadership.
The Value of the Oklahoma City Thunder
Today, the Oklahoma City Thunder are worth an estimated $3.5 billion. This marks a huge increase from the original purchase price of $350 million. The team is still owned by Professional Basketball Club LLC, which includes a collection of high-profile Oklahoma investors.
While Bennett serves as chairman, the largest known individual stakeholder is billionaire George Kaiser, who holds about 19 percent of the franchise, valued at roughly $665 million. Bennett’s own stake isn’t public, but experts estimate it could be around 10 percent. If accurate, that portion alone would be worth $350 million.
Other investors in the ownership group include:
- Jeffrey Records Jr.
- Robert E. Howard II
- Bill Cameron
- Jay Scaramucci
- Everett Dobson
- The estate of Aubrey McClendon
Despite the team’s collaborative ownership model, Bennett remains the key decision-maker and public figure associated with the Thunder.
Civic Influence Across Oklahoma
Beyond sports, Clay Bennett has played a central role in Oklahoma City’s urban and economic development. As a longtime leader with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, he supported the city’s MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) program. This initiative has been a cornerstone of downtown revitalization, spurring infrastructure upgrades and economic growth.
He has also served as chairman of the Oklahoma State Board of Education and held board positions at the University of Oklahoma. His influence in public education and community planning has helped shape state policy beyond the basketball court.
Quiet but Effective Leadership Style
Bennett is not the type to seek the spotlight. He avoids social media, rarely gives interviews, and prefers a behind-the-scenes approach. Those who’ve worked with him say he values stability, loyalty, and long-term results.
He maintains strong relationships with NBA leadership. Both former commissioner David Stern and current commissioner Adam Silver have praised Bennett’s strategic thinking and ability to manage a small-market team to big-market success. His leadership helped secure key arena upgrades, enhanced fan experiences, and launched community outreach programs that made the Thunder a beloved hometown team.
Personal Life and Family Background
Clay Bennett is married to Louise Gaylord Bennett, granddaughter of Edward L. Gaylord, the late media magnate behind The Oklahoman newspaper and Gaylord Entertainment. The couple has three children and continues to reside in Oklahoma City.
The Gaylord-Bennett family connection is influential in Oklahoma across several sectors including real estate, healthcare, and media. They are major philanthropic contributors, supporting causes related to education, children’s health, and local arts institutions.
Bennett’s Enduring Legacy
The decision to move an NBA team out of Seattle in 2008 sparked criticism and even lawsuits, but time has proven Bennett’s bet on Oklahoma City to be a smart and transformative one. Under his leadership, the Thunder became a model franchise. They’ve achieved sustained success, a strong connection with the local community, and a valuation that puts them among the NBA’s elite.
The championship win in 2025 has only solidified Clay Bennett’s place in basketball history. While Seattle still hopes to return to the NBA, Oklahoma City fans celebrate the man who brought the league to town and built a winning culture from scratch.