Kansas City Kings history reflects an exciting era of NBA basketball rooted in the Midwest. Formerly the Cincinnati Royals, the franchise moved in 1972, creating a fresh chapter for Kansas City Kings basketball fans. The team became known for its passionate supporters, talented rosters, and contributions to the league’s growth during its time in Kansas City.
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?
Kansas City Kings Origin
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
-
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 ...
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.
Kansas City Kings History
Kansas City Kings history is filled with triumphs, setbacks, and defining moments that shaped the franchise. Formerly the Cincinnati Royals, the team relocated to Kansas City in 1972 and shared its games with Omaha until 1975. This move began a fresh era of Kansas City Kings basketball, creating new rivalries and a loyal Midwest fan base.
Nate “Tiny” Archibald was a shining star during this period. In the 1972–73 season, he led the NBA in both scoring and assists, a feat unmatched at the time. Memorable campaigns like the 1978–79 season saw the team, still known as the Kansas City Kings but once the Cincinnati Royals, capture their first division title in 27 years. Such highlights showed both individual brilliance and team resilience.
However, injuries and roster challenges also defined Kansas City Kings history. Archibald’s injury in 1973–74 and subsequent struggles weakened the team’s momentum. These ups and downs echoed with loyal fans, turning the team’s journey into a true tapestry of both glory and adversity.
Coaching Transitions and Achievements
A succession of coaching changes shaped the evolution of the franchise. Under Bob Cousy’s departure in 1974, Phil Johnson led the team into a new phase. Cotton Fitzsimmons’ arrival in the late 1970s brought renewed energy, and his player development efforts improved team chemistry. Each coaching shift reflected the adjustments needed to keep pace with the NBA’s changing style.
Strategic recalibrations during this time also defined Kansas City Kings basketball. The team adapted its play to different philosophies, from Johnson’s disciplined schemes to Fitzsimmons’ faster pace. These transitions allowed the franchise to stay competitive in an era dominated by powerhouse teams.
Playoff Victories and Challenges
The postseason tested the Kansas City Kings history repeatedly. Despite regular-season success, the team experienced early exits and heartbreaking losses in several playoff runs. However, the 1980–81 season remains their brightest moment. As underdogs, the Kings shocked the league by advancing to the Western Conference Finals, upsetting higher-seeded teams along the way.
This unexpected run showcased their ability to rise under pressure. Yet in later years, roster instability and key player departures kept the team from replicating that success. The lessons of those playoff battles highlighted the need for constant adaptation in the fierce world of Kansas City Kings basketball.
Relocation to Sacramento
By the early 1980s, attendance in Kansas City began to dip despite flashes of success. In 1983–84, the NBA approved the franchise’s relocation to Sacramento. The team’s final Kansas City game drew 11,371 fans, marking the end of an era in Kansas City Kings history.
This move opened a new chapter for the franchise. Sacramento quickly embraced the team, providing a dedicated home crowd. While the relocation signaled the end of the Kansas City era, it ensured the organization’s survival and set the stage for future growth.
Impactful Personnel Changes
Key roster and ownership changes defined the transition years. The trade of Otis Birdsong and departure of Scott Wedman in 1981–82 reshaped the team, while Larry Drew emerged as a top scorer in 1982–83. Meanwhile, a Sacramento-based ownership group purchased the team in 1983–84, coinciding with Cotton Fitzsimmons stepping down as head coach.
These shifts left a lasting imprint on Kansas City Kings history. They signaled the end of a competitive but turbulent period and prepared the franchise for a new life in California. Despite the move, the memories of Kansas City remain central to the team’s identity and to the fans who witnessed its highs and lows.
Sports Fan Products
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
