History of Clay Bennett (businessman) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 23, 2025

Clay Bennett is an American businessman best known as the chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC, which owns the Oklahoma City Thunder. Previously, this group owned the Seattle SuperSonics, relocating them to Oklahoma City. Bennett is also the chairman of Dorchester Capital Corporation and chairman emeritus of the Oklahoma Heritage Association. He served as chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma from 2011 to 2019. His involvement in relocating the SuperSonics has been a contentious point in his career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 14, 1959: Clay Bennett's Birth

On November 14, 1959, Clayton Ike Bennett was born. He later became an American businessman and chairman of the Professional Basketball Club LLC.

2005: Revenue Guarantee for the New Orleans Hornets

In 2005, Clay Bennett, along with Aubrey McClendon, Tom L. Ward, and G. Jeffrey Records Jr., partnered with Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma to provide a revenue guarantee for the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, which led to the team's temporary relocation to Oklahoma City due to Hurricane Katrina.

2006: Purchase of the Seattle SuperSonics

In 2006, Clay Bennett's Professional Basketball Club LLC purchased the Seattle SuperSonics for approximately $350 million.

November 2, 2007: Intent to Move the Team to Oklahoma City

On November 2, 2007, Clay Bennett notified the NBA of his ownership group's intent to move the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City after failing to secure public funding for a new arena in Seattle.

March 21, 2008: Plan to Relocate the Basketball Franchise

On March 21, 2008, Clay Bennett publicly announced his plan to relocate the Seattle SuperSonics basketball franchise.

April 18, 2008: NBA Owners Approve Franchise Relocation

On April 18, 2008, NBA owners approved the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics franchise to Oklahoma City for the 2008-2009 season, pending the outcome of legal challenges.

July 2, 2008: Settlement Allowing Move to Oklahoma City

On July 2, 2008, Clay Bennett's ownership group reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by the city of Seattle, allowing the franchise to move to Oklahoma City.

2009: Start of the Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2009, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City and became the Oklahoma City Thunder.

April 15, 2011: Named chairman of the NBA relocation committee

On April 15, 2011, Clay Bennett was named chairman of the NBA's relocation committee.

2011: Chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma

In 2011, Clay Bennett served as chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma.

May 15, 2013: Vote Against Relocation of Sacramento Kings

On May 15, 2013, Clay Bennett was part of the board of governors that voted against a proposed relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, with a vote of 22-8.