Former NBA all-star and fashion aficionado Russell Westbrook is doubling down on his love for Oklahoma City, not with another explosive triple-double, but with a cool $10 million investment into the city’s sports infrastructure. The former Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, whose jersey still hangs in the hearts of many Oklahomans, is now putting his money where his heart is. His investment aims to quickly develop a new soccer stadium and entertainment district, positioning the city to make a significant leap onto the national soccer scene. Westbrook, currently a guard for the Denver Nuggets, made his intention clear: he is all in on fostering the city's potential, according to KTSM.
Some might ask, why soccer, why now? The fact is, with international football ramping up its popularity stateside, Oklahoma City has decided to not just spectate, but actively participate. Echo Sports and Entertainment, with Westbrook's backing, is leading the charge on these developments. The investment will boost the prospects of both the OKC Energy FC and Oklahoma City FC teams. Westbrook's involvement includes a "world-class stadium and entertainment district," a concept that received a nod from the City Council last week, having agreed to land donation for the future site, as reported by KFOR.
Not one to forget where he came from, Westbrook has often been vocal about the impact Oklahoma City has had on him. With this multimillion-dollar commitment, he continues to show it in a very tangible way. "My time with the OKC Thunder shaped so much of who I am, so becoming Christian’s (Kanady, Founding Partner of Echo) 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 in a statement obtained by KTSM. On social media, Oklahoma City Mayor Holt also expressed his excitement about the investment, anticipating the continued relationship with Westbrook.
While Westbrook is doing his part to lift Oklahoma City to new heights, the sentiment around town is that his philanthropic slam dunk may eventually earn him a statue. Likely to quickly become an iconic symbol of gratitude for his contributions on and off the hardwood, Westbrook's legacy in Oklahoma City is, as they say, set in stone, or soon to be at least in bronze. Notably unphased by the fame, Westbrook's engagement with the fabric of the city suggests a lifelong bond with the community that first cheered his name. "Oklahoma City shaped so much of who he is, and he is excited to invest in the city's growth," Westbrook told News 9.
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}