Russell Westbrook Selected As Creative Director For Oklahoma City’s Sports-Anchored Entertainment District As Popolous Announced As Architects Of The Project

Popolous has been selected to orchestrate the building of the sports-anchored entertainment district being planned in downtown Oklahoma City, as Russell Westbrook was appointed the creative director for the project.

The decision was announced by Echo Investment Capital (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE), and Robinson Park. The project is being spearheaded by Echo with RWE and Robinson Park as key development partners, in conjunction with helping create a destination anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.

In addition to this selection, it was announced that Denver Nuggets guard and Echo investment partner Russell Westbrook will serve as the creative director for the project. The basketball player has ties to Oklahoma City as a former player for the Thunder basketball team after they drafted him (while the team was based in Seattle as the SuperSonics) in 2008. He spent the majority of his playing career with the Thunder until he was traded in 2019 to the Houston Rockets.

“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district – we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” said Westbrook in a written statement. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC. I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging – a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”

Populous has designed various sports and entertainment venues around the world, including the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. The company had already appointed the principal architect of the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.

“Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,” said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sports-anchored entertainment district ensures a cohesive, transformative vision — one that reflects OKC’s momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways. This is more than a development — it’s a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.”