COLLEGIATE SPORTING EVENTS The OKC region sits between two powerhouse universities: the University of Oklahoma Sooners, 20 miles south in Norman, and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, about an hour’s drive north in Stillwater. OU competes in the Southeastern Conference and is known for its traditions in football, wrestling, softball, gymnastics and more. OSU fields sports across Big 12 competition in football, basketball, wrestling, baseball and others. • Closer to OKC, you’ll find vibrant college athletics you can cheer on right in the metro: • Oklahoma City University fields NCAA/NAIA teams and competes in OKC region matchups. • Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, competes primarily in the Great American Conference (NAIA). • Oklahoma Christian University, in Oklahoma City, competes in NCAA Division II and offers 18 varsity sports. • University of Central Oklahoma, in Edmond, features a modern Sports Performance Center and strong programs in football, basketball, soccer and more. Whether you follow major Big 12 matchups or enjoy closeby games in OKC, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to connect with college sports across the region. OKLAHOMA CITY PARKS & RECREATION OKC’s Parks & Recreation department offers year-round sports leagues and outdoor programs for all ages. Whether you’re looking to stay competitive or just stay active, OKC has something for you. Adults can join recreational or competitive leagues in basketball, softball, baseball, pickleball, soccer and futsal. The city offers men’s, women’s and co-ed softball leagues, with formats like single-header, double-header and draft options. Soccer players can register for the 405 FC league, open to participants from age 4 to adult, with developmental, recreational and competitive divisions. For younger athletes, the department runs seasonal youth basketball leagues for ages 5 to 12, complete with practices and weekend games. The OKC Comets Rookie League, in partnership with the city, provides youth baseball and softball for ages 4U to 12U. Equipment is provided, and games are played at local fields across the city. ABetterLifeOKC.com 27
2026, with the stadium opening in 2027. Energy FC also plans to launch a professional women’s team, which will share the new stadium once complete. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the game, OKC’s growing soccer scene offers an exciting way to connect with the community and cheer on local talent. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER The OKC Thunder has transformed Paycom Center into one of the loudest, most electric venues in the NBA. With passionate fans and a young, high-energy roster, the team has helped put OKC on the map as a true basketball city. During the 2024-25 season, the Thunder posted a 68-14 record, the league’s best, and captured their first NBA championship since relocating to OKC. They set league records along the way, outscoring opponents by 12.9 points per game and finishing 29-1 against the Eastern Conference, the best interconference mark in NBA history. That success is led by a standout core. Shai Gilgeous- Alexander, the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, who is joined by former Rookie of the Year runners-up Jalen “J-Dub” Williams and Chet Holmgren, both of whom emerged as key contributors during the title run. The Thunder’s NBA G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, also plays at Paycom Center. The Blue offers fans a chance to see future NBA players develop their skills in a more intimate setting. Whether you're a lifelong basketball fan or new to the game, catching a Thunder game in OKC is more than just a night out, it’s part of the city’s culture. USA SOFTBALL COMPLEX USA Softball’s national headquarters, the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum, is located in OKC. The adjacent stadium grounds—now officially called Devon Park—host the sport’s most prestigious events. At the heart of the facility is OGE Energy Field at Devon Park, home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series. The field seats up to 13,000 spectators, combining 9,000 permanent seats and 4,000 temporary outfield seating. Devon Park anchors OKC’s identity as Softball Capital of the World. It hosts not only the Women’s College World Series, but also the Phillips 66 Big 12 Softball Championship, state high school tournaments, Olympic trials and international competitions. Looking ahead, Devon Park is slated to play a role in the 2028 Olympic Games, as OKC is set to stage the softball competitions for Los Angeles’ Olympics.
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