Stacey King dies at 59, and the Chicago Bulls organization is in mourning. The team announced his passing on Sunday, June 7, 2026. No cause of death was given. Moreover, the Bulls described King as a cherished member of their family and one of the truly unique personalities in their history. Furthermore, Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf honored King in a statement that recognized his connection to the city and the franchise across more than 30 years.
Reinsdorf said King brought joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion to the organization every single day. He served the Bulls first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that brought the team into the homes of generations of fans. Consequently, King’s impact on Chicago basketball extended well beyond his playing days.
A championship career alongside Michael Jordan
Stacey King arrived in Chicago as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft out of the University of Oklahoma. He immediately contributed as a rookie, playing all 82 games while coming off the bench. Moreover, he averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in that debut season alongside Michael Jordan. Furthermore, King was part of the Bulls teams that won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 through 1993, one of the most dominant dynasties in the sport’s history.
His presence on those championship rosters gave King a place in Bulls lore that no broadcaster role could have manufactured. He lived the run from the inside. Moreover, he understood the culture Jordan built and the demands that came with playing for Phil Jackson. Consequently, that perspective made him uniquely qualified to bring those stories to fans when he transitioned to the broadcast booth.
King’s overall playing career spanned eight seasons. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds across stops that also included the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks. Additionally, he briefly moved into coaching after retiring, serving as head coach of the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during the 2001-02 season.
The broadcaster who made every game feel personal
Stacey King’s second career in broadcasting became the role that defined him for an entire generation of Bulls fans. He joined the team’s broadcast team after his playing and coaching days and quickly developed into one of the most entertaining and genuine voices in NBA media. Moreover, his enthusiasm, humor, and deep knowledge of the game made him a fan favorite who stood apart from conventional play-by-play voices. Furthermore, his passion for the Bulls and for the city of Chicago came through in every broadcast he delivered.
Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf described King’s gift as his ability to bring people together and make every game feel personal. He said King genuinely cared about people and made the organization better as a result. Moreover, Reinsdorf noted that King’s impact, memory, and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever. Consequently, the organization sees his passing not just as the loss of an employee but as the loss of a defining voice in their story.
Chicago and the NBA community react to the loss
The Bulls announced King’s passing on their official social media channels on Sunday, describing him as a three-time NBA champion and beloved broadcaster. The post drew immediate and widespread reaction from fans, former players, and media figures across the league. Moreover, the timing of the announcement, during the 2026 NBA Finals, meant that the basketball world was already paying close attention when the news broke. Furthermore, tributes from around the league reflected just how widely King was respected beyond Chicago.
King’s tenure with the Bulls broadcast team coincided with some of the franchise’s most difficult years after the Jordan era. He helped fans stay connected to the team through rebuilding seasons and losing records. Additionally, he celebrated with fans when the Bulls began showing signs of life in recent years. Consequently, his voice became synonymous with Bulls basketball for fans who grew up after the championship dynasty ended.
Source: ESPN
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