Tulsa’s WNBA team name comes as a Shock.

TULSA, OK--It’s official, call them the Tulsa Shock.

Rejecting names like the Tulsa Fire and the Tulsa Tempo, an online poll of WNBA fans conducted by the ownership group chose to retain the former name of the Detroit franchise.  

The team name and colors were unveiled at halftime of the Harlem Globetrotters 2pm show Saturday afternoon with Coach Nolan Richardson, team president Steve Swetoha and Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett in attendance.  Scholonda Robinson, the first player to sign with the team was also present.

The team will wear a color scheme of black, red and gold and the logo is a basketball on top of TULSA SHOCK with a lightning bolt through the letters.  The uniforms have not been finalized as yet, and will be unveiled sometime in the spring.  In the end the voting broke down to the Shock name winning with 38% of the vote, Tempo came in 2nd and the Fire third with 30%.  

The new team president was pleased with the choice. “I think its clear the Shock name resonated with fans because of the championship history it invokes, as well as the feelings of speed and power it brings. Our new name and identity fits perfectly with the style of play Coach Richardson brings to the team,” Swetoha said. “It’s the same name with a whole new meaning.”

Coach Richardson was also happy with the name.   “The Tulsa Shock – I love it,” head coach Nolan Richardson said. “Having an identity gets me more excited because I know we’re one step closer to tip-off, and we’ll look good when that day comes.”  

The WNBA will hold a draft in April and Coach Richardson said he had 8 players signed so far including Robinson, who was acquired in a dispersal draft from Sacramento in November.  Training camp begins April 25th.  

The team will begin play in the amazing BOK Center May 15th at 7pm facing the Minnesota Lynx.

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Photos by: Kevin Pyle