Soccer

Russell Westbrook co‑creates OKC United crest that honors Native heritage

The new soccer club’s emblem blends local history with a forward‑looking vision, reflecting the NBA star’s deep roots in the city.

NBA veteran Russell Westbrook has turned his off‑court passions into a creative partnership with emerging soccer franchise OKC United, lending his eye to the club’s inaugural crest.

Working with designer Matthew Wolff, Westbrook infused the badge with motifs drawn from Oklahoma’s Native American heritage, embedding symbols that speak to the city’s past, present and future.

A Symbolic Design

The crest features an arrowhead, an interlocking OKC monogram and 39 sun rays that honor the 39 tribes headquartered in the state, while a zig‑zag pattern echoes the Sac and Fox name of the famed athlete Jim Thorpe, translating his nickname Wa‑Tho‑Huk into a bright path motif.

Westbrook described the design as a mirror that reflects the community, the people and the club’s aspirations, a sentiment that resonates with fans who have watched his 11‑year Thunder tenure.

Beyond aesthetics, the former MVP is also an investor in the franchise, which plans to compete in the USL Championship beginning in 2028, marking a new chapter for soccer in Oklahoma City.

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