Stacey King, three-time Bulls champion and broadcaster, passes away at 59 in 2026

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and beloved broadcaster, died at age 59.

Bulls family mourns loss Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who later became a popular broadcaster, has died at the age of 59. The team shared the news on Sunday. Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf stated that King was an invaluable part of the Bulls family and one of the most distinctive personalities in the organization's history. Reinsdorf noted that King's bond with Chicago, the Bulls, and their fans lasted over three decades, first as a player and later as the recognizable voice that delivered Bulls basketball to fans' homes for generations. He expressed deep sadness over the loss and remembered King's joy, energy, humor, honesty, and passion that he brought to the organization, broadcasts, and fans daily. ## Tributes pour in for Stacey King A tribute post read, "We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King." The message was accompanied by a link to an image. ## Playing career highlights King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds during an eight-season playing career that included stints with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics, and Mavericks. His most productive years came early in his career with the Bulls. Selected sixth overall in the 1989 draft out of Oklahoma, King played every game as a rookie, contributing 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds off the bench while teaming up with Michael Jordan as the Bulls secured three straight championships from 1991 to 1993. ## Bulls honor King's legacy Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf shared, "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. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal.. Stacey genuinely cared about people, and he made our organization better. We will miss him dearly, and his impact, memory and legacy will remain part of the Chicago Bulls forever." ## Post-playing career journey After retiring from playing, King transitioned into coaching, taking the head coach position for the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.