A bill passed out of the Senate Wednesday that is aiming to keep the Thunder in Oklahoma for years to come.

This bill is meant to incentivize setting up professional sports teams in Oklahoma.

While this legislation only applies to the Thunder right now, the Pro Tem Greg Treat says he’s hoping this will send a strong message that we want professional sports teams in Oklahoma.

“There’s just a part of being proud of a team that’s associated with your city and your state,” Treat said. “I think the Oklahoma City Thunder is just a huge part of the unique proudness of being an Oklahoman.”

It’s being called the Major Sports Leagues Rebate Program. 

It would allow Oklahoma teams in one of the major five sports leagues that have at least $10 million on their payroll to receive up to $10 million back from the state.

With the Thunder’s current payroll, Pro Tem Treat says this will cost the state about $6.8 million annually. With no end date on the legislation, the Thunder will continue getting the paycheck as long as they stay in Oklahoma. 

The bill passed out of the State Senate Wednesday and will now head back over to the House.