Three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and beloved longtime television broadcaster Stacey King has died at the age of 59. National Basketball Association Insider Shams Charania confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
King was a foundational piece of the 1990s dominance of the Chicago Bulls, entering the league as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. He stayed with the franchise during their most dominant period before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1993-94 campaign. King played eight seasons in the league, anchoring the paint alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the team's historic 1991, 1992, and 1993 championship runs.
While his playing career cemented his place in Chicago folklore, King found a new generation of fans in his post-playing career as a commentator for Bulls TV broadcasts.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from heartbroken fans online, who are mourning the tragic loss of a franchise icon.
Tributes from Chicago Bulls Leadership
In a statement, Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf remembered King as a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in the history of the organization. "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," Reinsdorf said. "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."
Team president and COO Michael Reinsdorf also released a statement following the news. "Stacey loved being a Bull. 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," Reinsdorf said. "He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation, or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued."
Reinsdorf added that the organization was fortunate to know King as a friend. "Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better," Reinsdorf said. "We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain a part of the Chicago Bulls forever."
The Chicago Bulls official X account posted on June 7, 2026: "We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King."
Fan Reactions and Career Statistics
Fans took to social media to pay homage to the former star and broadcaster. One fan wrote on X: "Bulls games with no Stacey King doesn’t even sound right man, I'm so hurt rn." Another fan shared: "Breaks my heart. Stacey King was a legend on the mic. He made so many miserable games fun to watch and the fun games even better. Definition of irreplaceable. Nicest guy ever as well meeting him in person. Rest in peace legend."
During his eight-season playing career, which included stops with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks, King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. However, it was at the start of his career with the Chicago Bulls where he found most of his success.
King played all 82 games as a rookie after being selected sixth overall in the 1989 NBA Draft, coming off the bench to earn NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993. King later went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.