Founded in 1986, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame became a part of the Thorpe Association in 1989. As of 2011, 133 Oklahoma sports figures have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and nearly 150 are on the list of nominees. Each year a selection committee chooses a ballot of 20 from the list of nominees.

The ballot is mailed to members of the Jim Thorpe Association, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame nominees and Oklahoma sports journalists. Voters select at least two inductees, while the honors committee selects additional honorees. The basic criteria for induction are accomplishments in sports and identification with Oklahoma.