Last season, the NBA was rather reluctant to have the OKC Thunder serve as a primetime team on their national TV programming, as they came into the campaign with a mere 15 total games scheduled for ESPN, TNT, and ABC syndication.
This lack of recognition and promotion was publicly panned by both fans and players alike.
Now, after their historic run in 2024-25 that ultimately culminated in winning a championship, early signs show the association is pulling a 180 with their willingness to give the Thunder the spotlight.
Even before the full season schedule has been released, it's already been confirmed that Oklahoma City is locked in for high-profile occasions like Christmas Day, where they're set to play the Spurs, and MLK Day, where they'll be on the road out in Cleveland.
However, what's perhaps most indicative of the league's newfound desire to push for more Thunder coverage is the fact that not only do they have them kicking off the 2025-26 regular season's opening night, but they're doing so on NBC, a station that's gone without NBA basketball since 2002.
OKC Thunder will play first NBA game broadcast on NBC since 2002
With the fact that the Thunder play the earlier, 7:30 pm (ET) slot, they'll be the first team to usher in a new era of NBA on NBC programming in roughly 23 years.
Considering they initially ranked outside of the top-10 in non-NBA TV nationally televised games last season, this is a major step up for the defending champs.
To make Oklahoma City being the first to take part in NBC's return to the league even more exhilarating, they'll be holding the annual ring and championship banner ceremony on the night and will be playing host to their former franchise cornerstone, Kevin Durant, and his new club, the Houston Rockets.
As things currently stand, the Thunder come into the upcoming season with far and away the best odds to repeat at +230. With their current core headlined by reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returning for another go-around, this should come as no surprise.
With the concept of them becoming the game's next great dynasty being a legitimate possibility, it seems only fitting that the NBA would want to draw as much attention in their direction as possible.
Having them ring in a new age of broadcasting is without question the perfect way to start.