Stacey King, longtime Bulls
broadcaster who played on three NBA championship teams, dies at 59
[June 08, 2026]
CHICAGO (AP) — Stacey King, who played on three consecutive
NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls from 1991-93 before
returning to the organization as an Emmy-winning, fan-favorite
broadcaster, has died. He was 59.
The Bulls announced that King died Sunday and said they were
notified by a family member. No other details were immediately
available.
“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of
the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls
chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His connection to
Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades —
first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped
bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. We
will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and
passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts and our fans
every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
King began his NBA playing career with the Bulls, who selected the
6-foot-11 forward/center out of Oklahoma with the sixth overall pick
in the 1989 draft. He averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds over his
five seasons with the Bulls.
He played a total of eight seasons in the NBA during a career that
also included stops in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas. King
posted career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.
As a broadcaster, King endeared himself to a new generation of Bulls
supporters. He spent more than two decades as a commentator on Bulls
games.
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Bulls president and CEO Michael
Reinsdorf said in a statement. “You could feel it in everything he
did — the way he played, the way he called games and the way he
connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people
together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy
and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping
fans feel connected to our team. Whether it was through a broadcast,
a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen
and valued.
[to top of second column] |
Chicago Bulls television announcer Stacey King attends the first
half of an NBA basketball game, Nov. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP
Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
“We were fortunate to know him not only as a player
and broadcaster, but as a friend. Stacey genuinely cared about
people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him
dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the
Chicago Bulls forever.”
Chicago Sports Network president and CEO Michael McCarthy called
King “one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports.”
“Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans,”
McCarthy said. “Whether through his basketball insight, his humor,
or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and
every broadcast better.”
King delighted fans with his memorable calls and nicknames. His
enthusiasm was apparent every time the Bulls hit a big shot.
“We enjoy what we do,” King said last month on his “Gimme the Hot
Sauce” podcast, a reference to a comment he'd frequently make after
big plays. “It's a fun job. It never seems like work for me. Every
night, I go to work, win, lose or draw, I'm having fun.”
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
