INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With their cities’ teams facing off in the NBA Finals, the mayors of Indianapolis and Oklahoma City have placed a friendly wager showcasing hometown pride — and a bit of culinary flair.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt exchanged good-natured offers this week, promising unique local experiences should the opposing team come out on top.
“If the Oklahoma City Thunder take home the trophy,” Hogsett said in a video posted to social media, “I cordially invite you to make the trip over to Indy. Here, I will gladly take you to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a hot lap around the fastest racetrack in the world. I’ll take you to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a WNBA Indiana Fever game. And of course, to St. Elmo’s for the best steak and shrimp cocktail you’ve ever had.”
Holt responded in kind, offering an Oklahoma City experience in the “highly unlikely event” the Indiana Pacers claim the championship.
“I will host you here in Oklahoma City,” Holt said. “I will take you down the River Sport Whitewater Rapids, home of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. I will take you to a game at the Women’s College World Series, also a host event for the 2028 Olympics, and one of the greatest events in American sport. And I will buy you a steak at the legendary Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.”
The bet adds a lighthearted civic twist to the high-stakes matchup between two surging NBA franchises. The Pacers are seeking their first-ever NBA title, while the Thunder hope to bring home their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008.
Whether it’s a steak in Indy or a ride through Olympic-level rapids in OKC, both mayors appear ready to celebrate their cities—win or lose.
