The Sacramento Kings history stretches back to the team’s founding, making it one of the oldest franchises in the NBA. Originally known as the Rochester Royals, it later became a cornerstone of Sacramento Kings basketball. Over time, the team built a passionate fan base and a legacy of exciting play, unforgettable stars, and memorable playoff runs.
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 – Sacramento Kings fans have a long history of supporting their favorite basketball team, and many may be curious about the origins of the team’s nickname. The Sacramento Kings are one of 30 teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and it is clear why they chose this particular name for their franchise.
Sacramento Kings Origin
The original home for the Sacramento Kings was Rochester, New York, where they were known as both “the Royals” and “the Seagrams” after a local brewery that sponsored them during their time there. Between Rochester and Sacramento, the Kings were in Kansas City (1972-1985). When owner Sam Battistone moved his team to California in 1985, he wanted to keep some connection with its former home by keeping part of its name and giving it an appropriate Western feel, so he changed it from Royals to 'Kings.' This was fitting since California had been known as "The Golden State" since 1851 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill near Coloma, CA, which helped fuel America's westward expansion into our nation's 31st state.
In addition to paying homage to California's rich historical roots in gold mining, another reason why owners chose this moniker is that kings represent power - something that every aspiring sports organization strives for on-and-off court success! With such an iconic brand behind them – including names like Chris Webber & Vlade Divac – who can blame them? It has also paid off over recent years, making three playoff appearances out of four between 1998-2006 before eventually becoming Western Conference Champions in 2002!
Overall, we can see how much thought went into choosing such an apt nickname for this storied NBA franchise: one which pays respect both geographically & historically while also representing ambition & strength all at once!
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
- 1985
- 1991
- 1998
- 2013
- 2016
-
Move to Sacramento
The Kings moved to their current home of Sacramento, California in the 1985 – 1986 NBA season, with their first Sacramento season ending in the first round of the Western Conference 1986 NBA Playoffs. However, they saw little success in subsequent years, and the team did not make the playoffs again until the 1996 NBA Playoffs in the 1995 – ... -
The Mitch Richmond Era
The early 1990s were difficult for the Kings. Sacramento was known for having strong fan support, and while they won over 60% of their home games, the team struggled on the road, going 1–40 on the road in a single season. But prayers were answered when they acquired Mitch Richmond, who previously played for the Golden State Warriors. The former ... -
Maloofs Family Owners
The Maloofs were the owners of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA from 1998 until 2013. The family consists of George J. Maloof, Sr., his wife Colleen, and their children: Adrienne Maloof, Joe Maloof, Gavin Maloof, George J. Maloof, Jr., and Phil Maloof. The Maloofs had acquired a minority interest in the Kings in 1998 and took majority control the ... -
Vivek Ranadivé New Ownership
On March 21, 2013, it was announced that Ranadive had joined Ron Burkle and Mark Mastrov to be a major investor in the attempt to purchase the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association. In order for Ranadive to purchase the Kings, he had to sell his share of the Golden State Warriors. On May 16, 2013, it was announced ... -
Golden 1 Center Opens
Golden 1 Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena, located in Downtown Sacramento, California. It sits partially on the site of the former Downtown Plaza shopping center. The publicly-owned arena is part of a business and entertainment district called Downtown Commons, otherwise known as DoCo, which includes a $250 million 16-story mixed-use tower. The arena, which replaced Sleep Train Arena as ...
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.
Sacramento Kings History
The Sacramento Kings history dates back to their founding as the Rochester Royals in the National Basketball League (NBL). They joined the NBA in 1948 and became one of the league’s cornerstone franchises. Over decades, the team changed names and locations, shaping the identity of Sacramento Kings basketball while producing memorable moments for fans across generations.
After beginning in Rochester, the team moved to Cincinnati in 1957, where it was renamed the Cincinnati Royals. In 1972, the franchise relocated to Kansas City-Omaha and became known simply as “The Kings” before moving permanently to Sacramento in 1985. They settled into Arco Arena, later moving to the Golden 1 Center in 2016, marking a new era for the Sacramento Kings history.
Throughout its journey, the franchise featured iconic players like Oscar Robertson, Chris Webber, and Vlade Divac. These stars helped define Sacramento Kings basketball through standout seasons and playoff runs. The team built a passionate fan base that continues to support the franchise as it strives to return to NBA prominence.
Sacramento Kings Achievements
In terms of achievements, the Sacramento Kings history includes an NBA championship from its days as the Rochester Royals in 1951, two conference titles, and multiple division titles. The early 2000s, under coach Rick Adelman, saw the Kings reach the 2002 Western Conference Finals, winning 61 games that season and cementing their reputation as one of the league’s top teams.
Today, the franchise is entering a new chapter led by stars like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. With a revitalized roster and leadership under Vivek Ranadivé’s ownership, Sacramento Kings basketball is once again on the rise. Recent playoff appearances and a growing young core have reignited hopes of adding more championships to the long and storied Sacramento Kings history.
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