Most Oklahoma City Thunder fans expect the team to win another NBA championship in the 2026-27 season, according to a new fan survey. This optimism persists even as the team enters the year.
The survey, conducted by Thunder Wire, asked 1,145 fans 16 questions about the upcoming season. The central finding was a strong belief in the team's title chances. This confidence is built on the core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, a trio considered among the league's best. The Thunder posted a league-best 64-18 record last regular season, though they fell short of back-to-back titles in the Western Conference Finals.
Injuries played a part in that playoff exit. But the focus is now firmly on the future. The offseason was described as relatively quiet, focused on financial management. To avoid heavy luxury tax penalties, the team moved on from several role players, including Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins.
The Thunder's form has been mixed as they prepare for the new campaign.
However, the team's overall talent level keeps fan expectations sky-high. The core players are all returning, and their chemistry is a major asset. You can review the team's full schedule and recent results on our schedule page.
The immediate task is to turn fan belief into on-court consistency. The cost-cutting moves mean new faces will need to fill rotation spots. The team added several players from the 2026 NBA Draft who will get opportunities. Integrating them while maintaining a top-tier defense and efficient offense is the challenge for head coach Mark Daigneault.
The regular season is a nine-month marathon. Starting strong will be important for building momentum. The Thunder have proven they can dominate the regular season. The next step is translating that into a deeper, healthier playoff run. The survey indicates the fanbase has little doubt they can do it. The pressure is on, but this group has handled it before. Their ability to respond to late-season setbacks will define their championship quest.
