George Kaiser bought an ownership stake of the Oklahoma City Thunder and has become the newest co-owner.

“We are honored to welcome George Kaiser as a member of the ownership group of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Clay Bennett said in a statement Friday. “George is a well-respected and important Oklahoma business leader, as well as one of the state and nation’s top philanthropists. His commitment to successful business and community leadership is in true alignment with that of the Thunder.

“I also appreciate the commitment and leadership provided by Tom Ward as a member of our ownership group from the beginning.”

Kaiser is president, CEO and primary owner of Tulsa-based GBK Corp., parent of Kaiser-Francis Oil Co., which he has managed for 40 years.