Big League City

"Big League City: Oklahoma City's Rise to the NBA" is the fascinating story behind the transformative moment when major league sports arrived in Oklahoma City.


Senator David Holt’s position as the Mayor of Oklahoma City's chief of staff from 2006 through 2010 gave him a unique opportunity to observe how a series of serendipitous events, along with the stubborn commitment of his sports-minded boss and the unified effort of perceptive investors, community leaders and City staff, brought the dream of NBA basketball to Oklahoma City.

  

Holt — a state senator, lawyer and first-time author — writes with the clear narrative style of a natural storyteller. In his deft hands the story becomes a compelling narrative, fascinating reading not only for Oklahoma City Thunder fans, but also for those interested in popular culture and the impact of professional sports on a city’s rise to prominence in the 21st Century. 


"Holt's book is an enjoyable read, and a dandy little primer on the whirlwind ride this dusty old big league city has enjoyed over the last 25 years."  - Kelly Ogle, KWTV News 9 OKC


"The book is spellbinding due to Holt's excellent story-telling skills."  - Vicki Gourley, OKC Friday Paper


"David Holt tells us how we got here." - Berry Tramel, The Oklahoman


"The tidbits and observations are as intriguing as the bigger story." - Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman


"'Big League City' is a fascinating historical account." - Brendan Hoover, The Gazette