- 1972
- 1972
- 1972 - 1976
-
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 ... -
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. -
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 ...
History of the Kings
The Kansas City Kings are a professional basketball team that has been around since 1972. They began as the Cincinnati Royals and eventually moved to Kansas City in 1975. Since then, they’ve become integral to the city’s sports culture and history. The Kings were one of the original National Basketball Association (NBA) members, joining at its inception in 1949 as part of its Western Division alongside teams like Minneapolis Lakers and Rochester Royals.
Throughout their history, the Kansas City Kings have had some great players wear their uniform, including Hall-of-Famers such as Bob Cousy, Jerry Lucas, Nate Archibald, and Oscar Robertson, who spent two seasons with them from 1979 to 1981 before retiring from professional basketball after his final season with them ended in 1983. During this period, they also developed a rivalry with another NBA powerhouse during that era, Los Angeles Lakers, which was highlighted by several playoff series between both teams throughout those years where despite being underdogs each time, the kings managed to put up good fights against Magic Johnson's lakers squad which made for memorable moments for fans on both sides.
In 1985, the Kings relocated again, this time moving out west and becoming known today as Sacramento Kings but still keeping close ties to KC through various events held there over the years while still maintaining a loyal fan base within the Missouri area even though it has been more than three decades since leaving town. Despite not having won any championships yet, Kansas City continues to be a proud home to many former stars such as Mitch Richmond or Chris Webber, who remain beloved figures among the local community due to contributions made during a short stint playing there long ago when the franchise first started making its mark league back mid-70s all way until move California happened a few decades later.
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
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.
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