Clay Bennett is a name that carries weight both in the boardroom and in the world of professional sports. With a net worth of around $400 million, Bennett is best known as the chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA team he famously relocated from Seattle in 2008. While controversial in some circles, especially among former SuperSonics fans, Bennett is widely credited with transforming Oklahoma City into a major sports destination.
Early Life in Oklahoma
Clayton Ike Bennett was born in April 1959 in Oklahoma City. He grew up in a well-established Oklahoma family with deep ties to both business and community service. He attended Heritage Hall School before heading to the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in business administration.
After college, he entered the world of finance and energy, building experience across multiple industries. His private investment firm, Dorchester Capital, became the foundation of his wealth. Through this company, he built a portfolio that includes oil and gas, telecom, and other private equity interests. But what really put Bennett on the national map was his strategic move into professional sports.
Buying the Seattle SuperSonics
In 2006, Bennett led a group of Oklahoma-based investors under the banner of Professional Basketball Club LLC to purchase the Seattle SuperSonics for $350 million. The group included several influential figures from Oklahoma’s business community, and though they initially claimed intentions to keep the team in Seattle, things quickly shifted.
Stalled talks with the city over building a new arena led to Bennett formally announcing the team’s relocation. Despite heavy resistance from Seattle fans and officials, the NBA approved the move. The SuperSonics were officially rebranded as the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008.
Building a Championship Franchise
Under Bennett’s leadership, the Thunder quickly emerged as a small-market success. The team drafted and developed future stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. In 2012, they reached the NBA Finals, and for much of the next decade, the Thunder were a playoff regular.
On June 22, 2025, Bennett’s vision was fully realized when the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first NBA Championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a hard-fought seven-game series. This victory was a milestone not just for the team but also for the city and Bennett’s legacy.
Thunder Ownership and Valuation
The Oklahoma City Thunder are now valued at approximately $3.5 billion. This marks a tenfold increase from the original purchase price in 2006. The team is still owned by the Professional Basketball Club LLC, which includes a number of high-profile investors.
While Bennett serves as chairman, the largest known individual stakeholder is billionaire George Kaiser, who holds a 19% stake. That translates to roughly $665 million at current valuations. Bennett’s own share is not publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest he may own around 10%. If accurate, that stake would be worth about $350 million.
Other investors in the group include Jeffrey Records Jr., Robert E. Howard II, Bill Cameron, Jay Scaramucci, Everett Dobson, and the estate of Aubrey McClendon. Bennett remains the face of the ownership group and continues to shape the team’s long-term strategy.
Civic Leadership in Oklahoma
Bennett’s impact goes beyond sports. He has long been an advocate for economic growth and urban development in Oklahoma. Through his involvement with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, he played a key role in the MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiatives that spurred downtown revitalization.
He also served as chairman of the Oklahoma State Board of Education and has been a key trustee for the University of Oklahoma. As a board member and regent, he’s focused on higher education, public policy, and long-term planning for the state’s future.
Behind the Scenes Leadership Style
Unlike many high-profile team owners, Clay Bennett maintains a low public profile. He prefers to operate behind the scenes, focusing on executive relationships and strategic partnerships. He has built strong ties with NBA leadership, including former commissioner David Stern and current commissioner Adam Silver.
His leadership style emphasizes stability, community engagement, and long-term planning. From arena renovations to youth outreach programs, Bennett has made sure the Thunder’s presence benefits the entire city.
Personal Life and Family Ties
Clay Bennett is married to Louise Gaylord Bennett, the granddaughter of media mogul Edward L. Gaylord, who once controlled The Oklahoman newspaper and Gaylord Entertainment. The couple has three children and remains deeply rooted in Oklahoma City.
The Bennetts and Gaylords are considered among the most influential families in the state, and their reach spans media, real estate, and philanthropy. Together, they’ve supported numerous initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and local infrastructure.
Legacy Still in Progress
Clay Bennett’s decision to relocate an NBA team made headlines nearly two decades ago. While his legacy in Seattle remains divisive, his vision for Oklahoma City has played out exactly as he hoped. The Thunder have become a respected, well-managed franchise that reflects the values and ambitions of its community.
With a championship win in 2025 and the team now valued in the billions, Bennett’s impact on both the NBA and Oklahoma’s economy is undeniable. Whether in business, education, or sports, Clay Bennett has left an imprint that continues to grow.
