$375 million man Russell Westbrook shelling out over $10 million for soccer stadium in Oklahoma City
While Russell Westbrook has bounced around the league a lot in recent years, Oklahoma City was his home for over a decade. Years after his departure, the former MVP has decided to make a major investment in the community.
Earlier this year, OKC was approved for a new soccer stadium in the city's downtown hub. Construction is set to begin in 2025, and the project recently just gained a notable investor.
Russell Westbrook, who has a net worth of $375 million per Forbes, is going to be among those helping fund this new stadium in OKC. The former Thunder guard is set to put up an eight-figure amount towards the project.
Westbrook began his NBA journey in OKC, getting drafted by the then-Seattle SuperSonics in 2008. With the Thunder, he'd blossom into a superstar and become the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double in a season.
Westbrook's time with the Thunder came to an end following the 2019 season. That offseason, the front office decided to part with the franchise legend, trading him to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul.
Since leaving OKC, Westbrook has become a bit of a journeyman in the NBA. Over the past five years, he's played for the Rockets, Washington Wizards, LA Lakers, LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
Along with all his accomplishments on the basketball court, Westbrook has also done well for himself as a businessman as well.
Russell Westbrook still has close bond with Oklahoma City
Even though he wasn't able to spend his entire career there, Russell Westbrook still shares a close bond with Oklahoma City. With all the history he has there, it is not surprising to see him investing in the community.
While things ended with him being traded to a competitor, Westbrook and the Thunder did not end things on bad terms. That was abundantly clear when he first made his return to OKC in 2020.
Along with being honored with a well-put-together tribute video, the Thunder fanbase greeted Russell Westbrook with a standing ovation.
Westbrook also paid homage to the Thunder with his attire that night. He donned a jacket that listed all of his statistical feats during his tenure in OKC.
Aside from what he was able to do during his 11 years with the Thunder, Westbrook is still having a lasting impact on the city. He continues to improve the sports market in the area with his lofty investment in the new soccer stadium.