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

Rochester Royals Team History

Rochester Royals
Royals Primary Logo
Royals Alternate Logo

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
Royals – The Rochester Royals, a former NBA franchise from 1945 to 1957, were one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America. The team was initially based in Rochester, New York, and is now known as the Sacramento Kings. But how did they get their nickname?

It all started with an ambitious owner named Les Harrison, who wanted to bring professional basketball to his hometown in upstate New York. He chose “Rochester Royals” for its historical significance as it had been home to many revolutionary figures such as Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony. As for “Royals” – he thought it sounded regal enough for a professional sports team!

Harrison also believed that having royalty associated with his team would help generate greater interest among fans and sponsors alike - which certainly worked out well considering their success over those 12 years! Other teams soon followed suit by adopting similar nicknames, including The Minneapolis Lakers (now Los Angeles Lakers), Syracuse Nationals (now Philadelphia 76ers), and Fort Wayne Pistons (now Detroit Pistons).

So there you have it – while not precisely royal bloodlines or blue-blooded ancestry, this is where the name "Rochester Royals" came from back when they first took flight on the court during World War II era America!

Championship
NBA Championships 1
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

  • 1923 - 1945
  • 1951
  • 1957
  • Rochester Royals 1945

    Rochester Team in Different Leagues

    The Royals defected to the NBL’s rival, the Basketball Association of America, in 1948. In 1949, as a result of that year’s absorption of the NBL by the BAA, the Royals became members of the newly formed NBA along with the Fort Wayne Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, and Indianapolis (Kautskys) Jets. A year later, the BAA absorbed the remaining NBL teams ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Rochester Royals NBA Champs 1951

    NBA Finals Winner 1951

    NBA Finals – 1951 The 1951 NBA Finals was the championship round of the 1951 NBA Playoffs, which concluded the National Basketball Association 1950 – 1951 season. Western Division champion Rochester faced Eastern Division champion New York in a best-of-seven series with Rochester having a home-court advantage. Rochester won the first three games, two at home, but New York won ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Rochester Royals 1957

    Leave Rochester for Cincinnati

    The Royals moved to the larger, brand-new Rochester War Memorial for the 1955-56 season and hosted the sixth NBA All-Star Game in 1956. But their time in the Flower City was drawing to a close; the team moved to Cincinnati and later to Kansas City-Omaha before winding up as the Sacramento Kings. The Rochester team remains the only one in ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Rochester Royals?
  • 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 Royals

The Rochester Royals, now known as the Sacramento Kings, a former NBA franchise from 1945 to 1957, were one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America. The team's roots can be traced back to Rochester, New York, where it was initially known as the Rochester Seagrams, a semi-professional team that joined the National Basketball League in 1945. The franchise later rebranded as the Rochester Royals and achieved significant success, including winning the NBA championship in 1951, marking its only NBA title.

The team's impact on Rochester was profound, leading to the Rochester Press-Radio Club naming the Royals the city's "Pro Sports Team of the Century" in 1990. The franchise's success on the court and its contributions to the local community solidified its place in Rochester's sports history.

However, the team faced challenges in turning a profit in the comparatively small market of Rochester, ultimately leading to its relocation to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1957, where it became the Cincinnati Royals. This relocation marked a significant transition for the franchise, eventually leading to further moves and transformations, ultimately culminating in its current identity as the Sacramento Kings.

The Rochester Royals' legacy as a pioneering NBA franchise and its historic NBA championship win in 1951 remain integral parts of the league's history. The team's journey from Rochester to Cincinnati and its subsequent evolution into the Sacramento Kings reflect its enduring impact on the NBA and its significance in the annals of professional basketball.

Sports Fan Products

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(4655573)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517310)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.5 out of 5 stars(45517942)
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(4651111)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4754737)
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(4653943)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4651004)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517602)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(47562139)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465889)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(4855443)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(4853685)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(475151)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(46516091)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4654240)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4652212)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Union Arch Franklin Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark Short Sleeve T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455657)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Helmet - Kids Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Boys and Girls - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.7 out of 5 stars(4751627)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Classic Jersey Muscle Tee, Script Logo
4.5 out of 5 stars(45520769)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Kids Youth 4-20 Official City Headline Arch Logo Team T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465231)
Buy on Amazon
Messi Boys' Lifestyle Short Sleeve Top, Slim-fit Shirt with Logo, Comfortable
4.7 out of 5 stars(47587)
Buy on Amazon
Team Fan Apparel NFL Adult Gameday T-Shirt - Cotton Blend - Tagless - Semi-Fitted - Unleash Your Team Spirit During Game Day
4.6 out of 5 stars(4659372)
Buy on Amazon
Nike Mens Dri-FIT Short Sleeve Polo Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4656220)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby Girls' NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(48561)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food NFL Classic Team Logo T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455867)
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

Legendary Player Trades That Changed Sports Forever

July 18, 2025

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

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.