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Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook partners with Echo to boost Oklahoma City sports, including professional soccer

<p>Denver Nuggets guard and former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook announced a partnership with Christian Kanady, founding partner of Echo, to launch an eight-figure investment platform aimed toward revitalizing Oklahoma City sports, including professional soccer.</p><p>CEO of Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE), the NBA star and Echo's investment approach include plans to open a multipurpose stadium in 2027. The stadium will serve as a venue for both women's and men's soccer, as well as concerts and other entertainment events.</p><p>The collaboration includes Echo's majority ownership of OKC Energy FC, the professional soccer club. The USL Championship side is currently on hiatus, due to <a href="https://www.energyfc.com/news_article/show/1248298" target="_self">not fitting the league's stadium requirements.</a> They last featured at the end of the 2022 season.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Westbrook, 36, currently plays for the Nuggets. Across his illustrious career, he spent 11 years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and also had stints at the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets.</p><p>A nine-time NBA All-Star, the point-guard hopes to influence the sporting and lifestyle scene of Oklahoma City.</p><p>Said Westbrook in a statement: "My time with the OKC Thunder shaped so much of who I am, so becoming Christian’s partner and investing in the city’s continued growth is not only exciting personally, but Echo’s Sports and Entertainment vertical is unlike anything else I’ve seen in the space. The opportunity to collaborate on a shared vision - combining the long-term, purpose-driven work I’m developing at RWE with what Christian is building at Echo and Connective Capital - is something I’m incredibly proud to bring to my entire platform."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Christian Kanady, Founding Partner of Echo said in a statement: "Having Russ and his brand involved with Echo in OKC is truly a game-changer. Russell Westbrook is not only a future Hall of Famer, but also a global icon- dominating the court, walking the runways in Paris, and making a meaningful impact through his Why Not? Foundation. We have a strong conviction in a differentiated investment opportunity in sports, and I’m excited to continue building something extraordinary with Russ, Donnell, and the entire Westbrook team."</p>

WHAT THE PARTNER SAID

<p>The Nuggets take on the Utah Jazz Wednesday, looking to bounce back from a loss to the New York Knicks. In terms of his entrepreneurship in Oklahoma's sporting scene, OKC Energy is <a href="https://www.greateroklahomacity.com/news/2024/09/10/development/new-stadium-and-energy-fc-revitalization-to-boost-okc-s-entertainment-scene/#:~:text=Energy%20FC%2C%20a%20part%20of,stadium%20is%20completed%20in%202027." target="_self">expected to return to competitive action in 2027</a> after the completion of their new stadium.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR WESTBROOK?

NBA superstar Russell Westbrook and investment firm Echo Invest announce eight-figure investment to bring professional soccer to Oklahoma City | Goal.com

Partnering with a local investment firm, the NBA star has pledged financial support to bring Oklahoma City&apos;s sporting culture back to the top.