The Oklahoma City Thunder has asked state lawmakers to include the team in any future sports betting framework if legalization moves forward. The Thunder has proposed a model that would grant it 0.25% of all wagers placed in authorized areas, while most of the revenue would go to tribal operators. Discussions between the state governor and tribal governments have failed to yield positive results. Disagreements over market control continue. The Thunder’s proposal comes amid this ongoing impasse. Several issues remain In the broader regional landscape, Oklahoma sports betting continues to face significant delays, as negotiations between state officials and tribal leaders remain deadlocked over issues such as exclusivity rights, taxation, and regulation.  Although several bills have been introduced in recent legislative sessions, none have successfully passed, leaving Oklahoma residents still waiting for a clear path toward legalized sports wagering – even as neighboring states like Missouri prepare to launch their own regulated markets. The Thunder emphasized that it wants to be part of the system early, before regulations are finalized. Supporters argue that the team's participation would be a positive step. Their involvement will help monitor risk and compliance. It would also mirror other states where professional teams operate within the legal market. Political & regulatory stalemate Oklahoma is divided over who would control a sports betting market. The governor supports a model that allows commercialization. Tribal leaders, represented by the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), want to retain their exclusive rights over gaming in the state. They insist that any plan must stay inside the casino gaming compacts they've signed with the state. Gov. Kevin Stitt has said he will veto any bill that gives the tribes exclusive control of the market. OIGA Chair Matthew Morgan contends the tribes will sue if their compacts are broken. During the last session, two bills that kept control with the tribes passed the House but failed in the Senate. Senator Bill Coleman, who led an interim study in October, says lawmakers must restart talks with tribes, pro sports, and state agencies. These talks should be geared toward creating a framework that can survive a vote. Details of Thunder proposal Will Syring, the Thunder's VP of corporate sponsorships, outlined the plan to lawmakers. He said the state could allow a single license held by the Thunder or by a tribal consortium. Once that license is granted, they will then sublicense operation permits to commercial brands looking to expand into the state. Under the proposed model, tribal operators would continue to receive the majority of revenue from sports wagers, while the Thunder would collect 0.25% of the total betting handle within approved zones. This arrangement would apply only in non-tribal areas, as tribal lands would remain governed by separate agreements between each tribe and its selected operator. The plan keeps the current compact fee system in place. This system delivered more than $200 million to the state last year. Most of the revenue was diverted to funding education. Syring said the share is fair and reflects what teams receive in other regulated markets. NBA scandal impacts OK framework The Thunder delivered its plan on the same day federal prosecutors announced a wave of betting-related indictments tied to the NBA. Those charged include Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier. Both were placed on leave by the league. A Thunder-Lakers game from January 2024 also appears in a filing. Investigators say a bettor placed $100,000 against Los Angeles after receiving injury information that was not public. The timing of the scandal has intensified questions about oversight. Lawmakers in Oklahoma say the cases show why any legal market must include clear rules, monitoring, and strong integrity controls from Day 1. Lottery's parallel position The Oklahoma Lottery Commission says it is not suited to run sports betting because the risk and revenue models do not align with its mandate. Leaders, instead, point to online lottery sales as the next logical step of gambling expansion. Executive Director Jay Finks says digital sales could help protect the education funding the Lottery now provides. The commission also warns that expanding wagering without supporting the Lottery could weaken education funding.