SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

Kansas City Kings Team History

Kansas City Kings
Kings Primary Logo
Kings Wordmark Logo

Explore the Kansas City Kings’ dynamic legacy filled with triumphs like Nate Archibald’s impressive feats and heartaches such as his injury impacting the team. Coaching changes under Cotton Fitzsimmons and strategic shifts shaped the team’s success. Unpredictable playoff victories and losses challenged the Kings, showcasing their resilience. The relocation to Sacramento in 1984 due to attendance struggles marked a defining moment in the team’s journey. Key personnel changes like Otis Birdsong’s trade brought significant roster shifts. The Kings’ colorful journey signifies a tale of resilience, adaptability, and transformation in the NBA landscape.

Established
1923

City
Rochester – Cincinnati – Kansas City – Sacramento

League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1948 – 1949 / Basketball Association of America
1945 – 1948 / National Basketball League
1923 – 1945 / Various Unknown Leagues

Team History
1985 – Present / Sacramento Kings
1975 – 1985 / Kansas City Kings
1972 – 1975 / Kansas City-Omaha Kings
1957 – 1972 / Cincinnati Royals
1923 – 1957 / Rochester Royals

Nickname
Kings – The Kansas City Kings have been a beloved NBA team since their debut in 1972. As one of the most successful franchises in the league, they have become an essential part of basketball history and culture. But where did the name come from? What is the origin story behind “The Kings” nickname?

It all began with an owner who wanted to honor his hometown's rich baseball history. The original owners, Ewing Kauffman and Lamar Hunt, chose "Kings" as a nod to Kansas City's Negro Leagues baseball teams - The Monarchs and Stars - which had great success during that period. They also felt it was fitting for their new franchise because it represented strength and power on the court that would hopefully bring glory back to KC sports fans everywhere!

In addition to honoring local heroes from decades past, there were other reasons why this particular name resonated so strongly with its founders: It conveyed royalty; it embodied leadership; plus, it was easy for people around town (and across America) to remember! This combination made perfect sense when you consider what these two men hoped their team could achieve—winning championships every season while bringing pride back home after years without much success!

Today, many generations later, we still call our favorite basketball squad 'the Kings' as a tribute to both past legends & present-day players alike who make up such an incredible organization each year – no matter how far away from home they may be playing games or practice drills at any given moment...we'll always remain loyal fans cheering them on through thick & thin until victory is won once more over opponents near & far alike.

Championship
NBA Championships 0
1951

Arena
2016 – Present / Golden 1 Center
2012 – 2016 / Sleep Train Arena
2011 – 2012 / Power Balance Pavilion
1888 – 2010 / ARCO Arena II
1985 – 1988 / ARCO Arena I

*Kansas City*
1974 – 1985 / Kemper Arena
1972 – 1978 / Omaha Civic Auditorium
1972 – 1974 / Kansas City Municipal Auditorium

*Cincinnati*
1957 – 1972 / Cincinnati Gardens

*Rochester*
1955 – 1957 / Rochester War Memorial
1949 – 1954 / Edgerton Park Arena
1923 – 1948 / Unknown Arena

Owner
2013 – Present / Vivek Ranadive
1999 – 2013 / George, Joe and Gavin Maloof
1992 – 1999 / Jim Thomas
1985 – 1992 / Gregg Lukenbill and Joe Benvenuti
1959 – 1985 / Thomas Woods
1923 – 1959 / Les and Jack Harrison

  • 1972
  • 1972
  • 1972 - 1976
  • 72-73 Kings Header

    Move to Kansas City – Kings

    One of the possible targets for the relocation of the Cincinnati Royals was San Diego, which had lost the Rockets to Houston in 1971. However, it was decided to move the team to Kansas City, while also playing some of the home games in Omaha and St. Louis. This was not a new business plan for the team, as some ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • KC Kings Logo

    New Nickname Kings

    One of the ramifications of moving to Kansas City was the team name… They could not keep the name “Royals” because of the baseball team of the same name, but they maintained an air of regality and officially changed their name to the Kansas City-Omaha Kings.
    See Full Story
  • Nate Archibald - Kansas City Kings

    Nate Archibald era

    Nate Archibald was selected in the second round of the 1970 NBA draft (19th pick) by the Cincinnati Royals. He was also drafted by the Texas Chaparrals of the American Basketball Association. The team netted a new superstar in Nate Archibald, who led the league in scoring and assists in the 1972 – 1973 season. The Kings later played several ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Kansas City Kings?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the Kings

In the tumultuous journey of the Kings, previously known as the Cincinnati Royals, marked by triumphs and setbacks, pivotal moments in their history have shaped the course of the franchise’s legacy. Player performances and team dynamics played crucial roles in defining the Kings’ trajectory.

Season highlights such as Nate ‘Tiny’ Archibald leading the NBA in scoring and assists in 1972/73 showcased individual brilliance amidst team challenges. Memorable games like the ones in 1978/79 when the Kings, formerly known as the Cincinnati Royals, clinched a division title after 27 years highlighted the team’s resilience.

However, setbacks like Archibald’s injury in 1973/74 and subsequent struggles underscored the team’s vulnerability. These ups and downs not only influenced the Kings’, previously known as the Cincinnati Royals, on-court performance but also resonated with their loyal fan base, making their history a tapestry of both glory and adversity.

Coaching Transitions and Achievements

Navigating through a succession of coaching changes and strategic recalibrations, the Kings’ evolution under various leaderships has been instrumental in shaping their on-court performance and organizational direction. Coaching legacies have left a lasting impact on the team’s development, with notable figures like Cotton Fitzsimmons making significant strides in player development.

Strategic adjustments under different coaches have played a crucial role in fostering team chemistry and adapting to the ever-evolving NBA landscape. Each coaching transition brought its own set of challenges and achievements, from Bob Cousy’s departure in 1974 leading to Phil Johnson’s tenure, to the success under Cotton Fitzsimmons in the late 1970s.

The Kings’ ability to adapt to new coaching philosophies and styles has been essential in their journey towards success on the court.

Playoff Victories and Challenges

Amidst the intense competition of the postseason, the Kings have encountered both remarkable triumphs and formidable challenges in their quest for playoff success.

In the playoffs, the team faced unexpected upsets and heartbreaking defeats despite their regular-season successes. The playoff intensity tested the Kings’ resilience, with each game demanding their best performance.

In 1980/81, the Kings surprised many by upsetting top teams in the playoffs, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion. However, in subsequent playoff runs, the team experienced setbacks, including key player losses and missed opportunities, leading to some heartbreaking defeats.

These challenges highlighted the need for the Kings to continually evolve and adapt in the demanding landscape of playoff basketball.

Relocation to Sacramento

The relocation of the Kings to Sacramento in 1984 marked a significant turning point in the team’s history. This move was prompted by attendance challenges faced by the Kings in Kansas City, culminating in their final game there with 11,371 fans in attendance. Despite finishing last in their last season in Kansas City, the Kings were granted approval by the NBA to relocate to Sacramento.

Following a series of key personnel changes and a challenging period in their former location, Sacramento holds memories of both excitement and struggle for the team. This transition not only changed the team’s geographical location but also set the stage for a new chapter in their journey, one that would see them eventually become an integral part of the Sacramento community.

Impactful Personnel Changes

Undergoing significant personnel changes, the Kings organization experienced pivotal shifts that influenced their trajectory during the transition to Sacramento in 1984.

In the early 1980s, key player acquisitions and departures reshaped the team’s roster, leading to both successes and challenges. The trade of Otis Birdsong and departure of Scott Wedman in 1981/82 altered the team’s dynamics, while the emergence of Larry Drew as a top scorer in 1982/83 brought a new dimension to the Kings’ playing style.

Additionally, the sale of the team to a group from Sacramento in 1983/84 marked a significant ownership change, coinciding with Cotton Fitzsimmons stepping down as head coach. These roster adjustments had a lasting impact on the Kings as they navigated through a period of transition and relocation.

Sports Fan Products

Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517300)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Bold Logo - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4655555)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.5 out of 5 stars(45517918)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517654)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(47562121)
Buy on Amazon
Messi Boys' Lifestyle Short Sleeve Top, Slim-fit Shirt with Logo, Comfortable
4.7 out of 5 stars(47581)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4754725)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Spotlight - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4653931)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Classic Jersey Muscle Tee, Script Logo
4.5 out of 5 stars(45520759)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Team Color Distressed Imprint Primary Logo Wordmark Short Sleeve Baseball T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4651107)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(465999)
Buy on Amazon
ATEEZ Official Tour Merch Hoodie
1.0 out of 5 stars(1051)
Buy on Amazon
Messi Boys' Lifestyle Short Sleeve T-Shirt, Slim-fit Logo Tee, Cotton Blend Fabric
4.7 out of 5 stars(475168)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(4855436)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(46516090)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(4853680)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's Active Knit Basketball Training Shorts
4.6 out of 5 stars(465415)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(475151)
Buy on Amazon
WNBA Indiana Fever Logo T-Shirt
4.2 out of 5 stars(42533)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4654232)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465887)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Kids Youth 4-20 Official City Headline Arch Logo Team T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465227)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4652202)
Buy on Amazon
Champion, Lightweight Lounge, Casual Jersey Knit Men's, Weekend Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.4 out of 5 stars(44563796)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby Girls' NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(48583)
Buy on Amazon
Auto Amazon Links

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner image NBA Logo

Retired Number
1 / Nate Archibald
2 / Mitch Richmond
4 / Chris Webber
6 / Sacramento Fans “The Sixth Man”
11 / Bob Davies
12 / Maurice Stokes
14 / Oscar Robertson
16 / Peja Stojakovic
21 / Vlade Divac
27 / Jack Twyman
44 / Sam Lacey

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS NBA Headline News

  • OKC THUNDER ARE NBA CHAMPIONS 🏆
  • Send Devin to the Knicks I don’t see why not 🤷‍♂️
  • GET UP | Kevin Durant is going to Timberwolves! – ESPN gives major UPDATE on Suns-Wolves trade talks
  • Ace Bailey CANCELS PreDraft meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers – Locked On 76ers
  • The Orlando Magic Are GENIUSES…

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

MLB Greatest Player

NBA Logo Battle

SLH Prodcut Sale

NBA Teams
Menu
  • Atlanta Hawks
    • St. Louis Hawks
    • Milwaukee Hawks
    • Tri-City Blackhawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
    • New Jersey Nets
    • New York Nets
    • New Jersey Americans
  • Charlotte Hornets
    • Charlotte Bobcats
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
    • Denver Rockets
  • Detroit Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Pistons
    • Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
    • San Francisco Warriors
    • Philadelphia Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
    • San Diego Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
    • San Diego Clippers
    • Buffalo Braves
  • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Minneapolis Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Vancouver Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New Orleans Hornets
    • Charlotte Hornets
  • New York Knickerbockers
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Seattle Supersonics
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Syracuse Nationals
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trailblazers
  • Sacramento Kings
    • Kansas City Kings
    • Cincinnati Royals
    • Rochester Royals
  • San Antonio Spurs
    • Texas Chaparrals
    • Dallas Chaparrals
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
    • New Orleans Jazz
  • Washington Wizards
    • Washington Bullets
    • Capital Bullets
    • Baltimore Bullets
    • Chicago Zephyrs
    • Chicago Packers
  • Past Teams
    • Baltimore Bullets 1949
    • Chicago Stags
    • Cleveland Rebels
    • Denver Nuggets 1948
    • Detroit Falcons
    • Pittsburgh Ironmen
    • Providence Steamrollers
    • St. Louis Bombers
    • Toronto Huskies
    • Washington Capitols
STH - SHG YT Videos Banner
STH - SHG Rumble Videos Banner




Greatest Player Poll 350
National Football League LogoNational Basketball Associations LogoMajor League Baseball Logo 2019National Hockey League LogoNCAA Primary Logo

Greatest Player Poll: Cast your vote!

Join the debate and help decide who stands tall in the annals of sports history. Whether it's a legendary NFL's powerful action, the NBA's athletic prowess, or the unyielding spirit of an MLB player, we want to hear your thoughts. Who, in your opinion, has left an indelible mark on their sport? Who has transcended the boundaries of their game to become a symbol of excellence? Who has inspired generations of athletes and fans with their performances, character, and legacy? This is your chance to have your say. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and celebrate the greatest in sports history together.

NFL Greatest Player
NBA Greatest Player
NHL Greatest Player
MLB Greatest Player
MLS Greatest Player
WNBA Greatest Player
CFL Greatest Player
Premier Greatest Player
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

The Fading Roar of the Colonels: Louisville’s Unforgettable ABA Era

July 11, 2025

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Gridiron Geniuses: The 5 Greatest Head Coaches in NFL History

July 9, 2025

Iconic Team Hats: The Evolution of Team Headwear Through the Decades

July 1, 2025

Sports History Group 350
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Store History 200
Image

Complete Histories of Your Favorite Sports Team!


  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy




© 2013 - 2025 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.