Sacramento Kings: A Complete History of the Franchise, Its Owners, Arenas, Hall of Famers, and Greatest Legends The Sacramento Kings are one of the oldest franchises in professional basketball. Their story stretches from the early days of the National Basketball League through the NBA’s growth into a global sport. Along the way, the franchise has represented Rochester, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Omaha, and Sacramento, building a history filled with championship basketball, legendary players, memorable coaches, devoted fans, and dramatic playoff battles. Although the Kings have experienced long periods without a championship, their history includes an NBA title, multiple Hall of Fame figures, individual award winners, and one of the most exciting teams of the early 2000s. The Beginning: From Rochester to Sacramento The franchise was founded in 1923 as a semi-professional basketball team in Rochester, New York. It later became the Rochester Royals and joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1945. The Royals won the 1945–46 NBL championship and joined the newly formed Basketball Association of America in 1948. When the BAA and NBL merged in 1949, the Royals became part of the NBA. The Rochester Royals reached the top of professional basketball by winning the **1951 NBA championship**, defeating the New York Knicks in seven games. That championship remains the franchise’s only NBA title. In 1957, the team moved to Cincinnati and became the Cincinnati Royals. The franchise moved again in 1972, playing in Kansas City and Omaha before eventually settling in Sacramento in 1985. The Sacramento Kings name was retained when the franchise arrived in California’s capital city. All Kings Franchise Owners The franchise has passed through several ownership groups since its early days. The following list identifies the principal owners and ownership groups associated with the team’s major eras. Les Harrison: The Rochester businessman who founded and owned the Rochester Royals. He guided the franchise through its NBL championship and its early NBA years. Louis Jacobs and the Cincinnati ownership group: The team moved to Cincinnati under new ownership in 1957, with Louis Jacobs and his family’s interests associated with the acquisition and relocation. Thomas J. DeWitt and the Cincinnati ownership group: DeWitt became a leading owner during the Cincinnati era and was associated with the team’s ownership before its Kansas City move. Samuel N. Battistone and interests associated with the Kansas City move: The franchise’s ownership changed during the transition away from Cincinnati. Historical accounts of this period describe changing financial and ownership arrangements. The Kansas City–Omaha ownership group: The team operated in two cities during the 1970s, with Kansas City serving as its principal home. The Maloof family: The Maloofs acquired controlling ownership in 1998. Joe and Gavin Maloof became the public faces of the organization during the franchise’s rise to prominence in the early 2000s. Vivek Ranadivé and the Sacramento ownership group: Ranadivé led the group that purchased the franchise in 2013, keeping the Kings in Sacramento. He remains the franchise’s principal owner. Ownership details from the franchise’s earliest relocation years are complicated by changes in controlling interests, partnerships, and corporate arrangements. The names above identify the principal historical ownership eras rather than every minority investor or temporary financial stakeholder. Every Home City and Home Arena The Kings have played in several cities and numerous arenas throughout their long history. Rochester Royals (1945–1957) Edgerton Park Arena: An early Rochester home used during the franchise’s formative years. Rochester War Memorial: The team’s principal Rochester arena during its later years in the city. Cincinnati Royals (1957–1972) Cincinnati Gardens: The team’s home for much of its Cincinnati era. Cincinnati Coliseum: Another venue used during the Cincinnati years. Kansas City–Omaha Kings (1972–1985) Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City: A major early home for the relocated franchise. Omaha Civic Auditorium: Used during the period when the team represented both Kansas City and Omaha. Kemper Arena, Kansas City: Became a principal home during the later Kansas City era. Omaha venues: The team also played selected home games in Omaha as part of its Kansas City–Omaha identity. Sacramento Kings (1985–present) ARCO Arena I: The original Sacramento home, where the Kings began their California era. ARCO Arena II: Opened in 1988 and became famous for its intense atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds. Power Balance Pavilion: A renamed version of the Sacramento arena during the early 2010s. Sleep Train Arena: Another name used for the same building. Golden 1 Center: Opened in downtown Sacramento in 2016 and remains the team’s home arena. Golden 1 Center represents the modern Kings era, while the old ARCO Arena became synonymous with the franchise’s passionate fan base and its memorable playoff runs. The Complete Ownership Timeline For historical accuracy, the franchise’s ownership record includes several groups not mentioned in the shorter overview above. The principal ownership timeline is as follows: | Owner or ownership group | Era | | Les Harrison | Rochester Royals founding and early years | | Cincinnati public corporation and associated investors | 1958–1966 | | Max and Jeremy Jacobs | 1966–1972 | | Kansas City ownership group led by local businessmen | 1972–1982 | | Restructured Kansas City ownership group | 1982–1983 | | Joseph Benvenuti, Frank and Gregg Lukenbill, Bob A. Cook, Frank McCormick, and Stephen H. Cippa | 1983–1992 | | Jim Thomas | 1992–1999 | | Maloof family | 1999–2013 | | Vivek Ranadivé-led ownership group | 2013–present | The franchise’s official media guide documents these ownership transitions, including the 1983 purchase that made the move to Sacramento possible. The Maloofs took controlling ownership in 1999, and Ranadivé’s group purchased the team in 2013. Basketball Hall of Fame: Kings and Royals Legends The franchise’s Hall of Fame legacy spans the Rochester Royals, Cincinnati Royals, Kansas City Kings, and Sacramento Kings. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes players and coaches for their overall basketball contributions, so not every inductee earned the honor exclusively for work with this franchise. The following are especially important figures whose careers included significant contributions to the Kings/Royals organization. Players Bob Davies: The Rochester Royals’ pioneering point… Continue reading Sacramento Kings: A Complete History
Tag: Basketball Association of America
Sacramento Kings: A Complete History
The Sacramento Kings are one of the oldest franchises in professional basketball. Their story stretches from the early days of the National Basketball League through the NBA’s growth into a global sport. Along the way, the franchise has represented Rochester, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Omaha, and Sacramento, building a history filled with championship basketball, legendary players, memorable coaches, devoted fans, and dramatic playoff battles. Although the Kings have experienced long periods without a championship, their history includes an NBA title, multiple Hall of Fame figures, individual award winners, and one of the most exciting teams of the early 2000s. The Beginning: From Rochester to Sacramento The franchise was founded in 1923 as a semi-professional basketball team in Rochester, New York. It later became the Rochester Royals and joined the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1945. The Royals won the 1945–46 NBL championship and joined the newly formed Basketball Association of America in 1948. When the BAA and NBL merged in 1949, the Royals became part of the NBA. The Rochester Royals reached the top of professional basketball by winning the 1951 NBA championship, defeating the New York Knicks in seven games. That championship remains the franchise’s only NBA title. In 1957, the team moved to Cincinnati and became the Cincinnati Royals. The franchise moved again in 1972, playing in Kansas City and Omaha before eventually settling in Sacramento in 1985. The Sacramento Kings name was retained when the franchise arrived in California’s capital city. All Kings Franchise Owners The franchise has passed through several ownership groups since its early days. The following list identifies the principal owners and ownership groups associated with the team’s major eras. Les Harrison: The Rochester businessman who founded and owned the Rochester Royals. He guided the franchise through its NBL championship and its early NBA years. Louis Jacobs and the Cincinnati ownership group: The team moved to Cincinnati under new ownership in 1957, with Louis Jacobs and his family’s interests associated with the acquisition and relocation. Thomas J. DeWitt and the Cincinnati ownership group: DeWitt became a leading owner during the Cincinnati era and was associated with the team’s ownership before its Kansas City move. Samuel N. Battistone and interests associated with the Kansas City move: The franchise’s ownership changed during the transition away from Cincinnati. Historical accounts of this period describe changing financial and ownership arrangements. The Kansas City–Omaha ownership group: The team operated in two cities during the 1970s, with Kansas City serving as its principal home. The Maloof family: The Maloofs acquired controlling ownership in 1998. Joe and Gavin Maloof became the public faces of the organization during the franchise’s rise to prominence in the early 2000s. Vivek Ranadivé and the Sacramento ownership group: Ranadivé led the group that purchased the franchise in 2013, keeping the Kings in Sacramento. He remains the franchise’s principal owner. Ownership details from the franchise’s earliest relocation years are complicated by changes in controlling interests, partnerships, and corporate arrangements. The names above identify the principal historical ownership eras rather than every minority investor or temporary financial stakeholder. Every Home City and Home Arena The Kings have played in several cities and numerous arenas throughout their long history. Rochester Royals (1945–1957) Edgerton Park Arena: An early Rochester home used during the franchise’s formative years. Rochester War Memorial: The team’s principal Rochester arena during its later years in the city. Cincinnati Royals (1957–1972) Cincinnati Gardens: The team’s home for much of its Cincinnati era. Cincinnati Coliseum: Another venue used during the Cincinnati years. Kansas City–Omaha Kings (1972–1985) Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City: A major early home for the relocated franchise. Omaha Civic Auditorium: Used during the period when the team represented both Kansas City and Omaha. Kemper Arena, Kansas City: Became a principal home during the later Kansas City era. Omaha venues: The team also played selected home games in Omaha as part of its Kansas City–Omaha identity. Sacramento Kings (1985–present) ARCO Arena I: The original Sacramento home, where the Kings began their California era. ARCO Arena II: Opened in 1988 and became famous for its intense atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds. Power Balance Pavilion: A renamed version of the Sacramento arena during the early 2010s. Sleep Train Arena: Another name used for the same building. Golden 1 Center: Opened in downtown Sacramento in 2016 and remains the team’s home arena. Golden 1 Center represents the modern Kings era, while the old ARCO Arena became synonymous with the franchise’s passionate fan base and its memorable playoff runs. The Complete Ownership Timeline For historical accuracy, the franchise’s ownership record includes several groups not mentioned in the shorter overview above. The principal ownership timeline is as follows: Owner or ownership group Era Les Harrison Rochester Royals founding and early years Cincinnati public corporation and associated investors 1958–1966 Max and Jeremy Jacobs 1966–1972 Kansas City ownership group led by local businessmen 1972–1982 Restructured Kansas City ownership group 1982–1983 Joseph Benvenuti, Frank and Gregg Lukenbill, Bob A. Cook, Frank McCormick, and Stephen H. Cippa 1983–1992 Jim Thomas 1992–1999 Maloof family 1999–2013 Vivek Ranadivé-led ownership group 2013–present The franchise’s official media guide documents these ownership transitions, including the 1983 purchase that made the move to Sacramento possible. The Maloofs took controlling ownership in 1999, and Ranadivé’s group purchased the team in 2013. Basketball Hall of Fame: Kings and Royals Legends The franchise’s Hall of Fame legacy spans the Rochester Royals, Cincinnati Royals, Kansas City Kings, and Sacramento Kings. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes players and coaches for their overall basketball contributions, so not every inductee earned the honor exclusively for work with this franchise. The following are especially important figures whose careers included significant contributions to the Kings/Royals organization. Players Bob Davies: The Rochester Royals’ pioneering point guard and a central figure in the 1951 championship team. Bobby Wanzer: A Rochester standout who helped establish the franchise as an early professional basketball power. Arnie Risen: A dominant center on the Rochester Royals’ championship-era teams. Maurice Stokes: A remarkable Rochester forward whose career was… Continue reading Sacramento Kings: A Complete History
Boston Celtics: The Complete History of an NBA Dynasty
Boston Celtics: The Complete History of an NBA Dynasty The Boston Celtics are one of the foundational franchises of the National Basketball Association. Founded in 1946, Boston became the defining team of the NBA’s early years, built the greatest dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s, produced generations of Hall of Fame players, and continued its championship tradition into the modern era. Boston entered the 2024 season with 17 championships and finished it by defeating the Dallas Mavericks four games to one, giving the franchise its 18th NBA championship—the most in NBA history. The Beginning of the Boston Celtics The Celtics were founded in 1946 as one of the original franchises of the Basketball Association of America, the league that merged with the National Basketball League to form today’s NBA. The original owner was Walter A. Brown, whose name became permanently associated with Boston basketball. Brown also played a major role in hiring Red Auerbach, the coach and basketball architect who transformed the Celtics into a dynasty. Boston struggled during its first few seasons. That changed dramatically when Auerbach took over as head coach in 1950. Auerbach’s Celtics developed a fast-paced style built around defense, passing and team basketball. In 1950, Boston also selected Chuck Cooper, the first Black player ever drafted by an NBA team. Celtics Ownership Through the Years The Celtics have had one of the more complicated ownership histories in professional sports. 1946–1950 — Boston Garden-Arena Corporation The franchise initially operated as part of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, with Walter Brown running the Celtics. 1950–1964 — Walter A. Brown and Lou Pieri Brown acquired the team directly and brought Lou Pieri, previously associated with the Providence Steamrollers, into the ownership group. This was the beginning of the Celtics’ first great dynasty. 1964–1965 — Lou Pieri and Marjorie Brown After Walter Brown died in 1964, ownership passed to Lou Pieri and Marjorie Brown, Brown’s widow. 1965–1968 — Marvin Kratter Marvin Kratter, through the Knickerbocker Brewing Company/National Equities interests, acquired the franchise. 1968–1969 — Ballantine Brewery The Ballantine Brewery, through Investors Funding Corporation, owned the Celtics. 1969–1971 — Trans-National Communications Trans-National Communications, headed by Woody Erdman, took control. 1971–1972 — Ballantine Brewery Ballantine returned as an owner. 1972–1975 — Robert Schmertz Robert Schmertz and Leisure Technology became the controlling ownership group. There was also a complicated period involving Irv Levin and Harold Lipton, whose ownership arrangements changed several times during the early-to-mid 1970s. 1975–1978 — Irv Levin and Harold Lipton Levin and Lipton ultimately became the controlling owners again. 1978–1979 — John Y. Brown Jr. and Harry T. Mangurian Jr. The franchise was acquired by John Y. Brown Jr. and Harry T. Mangurian Jr. 1979–1983 — Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Mangurian subsequently became the controlling owner. 1983–1993 — Don Gaston, Alan Cohen and Paul Dupee A group headed by Don Gaston, with Alan Cohen and Paul Dupee, purchased the Celtics. This ownership was in place during Boston’s great 1980s era, when the Celtics won championships in 1984 and 1986. 1993–2002 — Paul Gaston Paul Gaston, Don Gaston’s son, became the principal owner. 2002–2025 — Boston Basketball Partners On December 31, 2002, Boston Basketball Partners LLC purchased the Celtics for approximately $360 million. The group included Wyc Grousbeck, H. Irving Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and other partners. This group presided over the 2008 championship and the 2024 championship. 2025–Present — William Chisholm-led ownership group In 2025, an investor group led by William “Bill” Chisholm completed the purchase of majority control of the Celtics after approval by the NBA Board of Governors. Chisholm became governor, while Wyc Grousbeck remained a co-owner and CEO. Aditya Mittal became an alternate governor. Other members of the ownership group include Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, with Sixth Street also participating as a major investor. Every Arena and Home Venue Used by the Celtics The Celtics have spent most of their history in Boston, but the franchise has played home games at several different buildings. Boston Arena — Boston, Massachusetts 1946–1947, partial schedule Boston Arena, now known as Matthews Arena, hosted some of the Celtics’ earliest games. Boston Garden — Boston, Massachusetts 1946–1995 The legendary Boston Garden became the true home of Celtics basketball. This was the building where the Russell-era dynasty won championship after championship. It was also home to the great Celtics teams of the 1980s. The Garden closed after the 1994-95 season. Hartford Civic Center — Hartford, Connecticut Occasional home games, 1975–1995 During the later Boston Garden years, the Celtics played occasional home games at the Hartford Civic Center. The arrangement ended when Boston moved permanently into its new arena in 1995. Providence Civic Center — Providence, Rhode Island The Celtics also played selected home games in Providence. The 1973-74 Celtics media guide, for example, listed both Boston Garden and Providence Civic Center as home courts. FleetCenter — Boston, Massachusetts 1995–2005 The Celtics moved into the new arena in 1995. It originally opened as the FleetCenter and replaced the Boston Garden. TD Banknorth Garden — Boston, Massachusetts 2005–2009 The building received another naming-rights change in 2005. TD Garden — Boston, Massachusetts 2009–present The same arena is now known as TD Garden, the current home of the Celtics. NBA.com lists TD Garden as Boston’s current arena. The Celtics Dynasty of Bill Russell The most extraordinary period in NBA history began with the arrival of Bill Russell in 1956. Russell became the centerpiece of a team featuring players such as Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, Tommy Heinsohn, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, K.C. Jones and Frank Ramsey, while Auerbach directed the organization. Boston won its first championship in 1957. Then came one of the greatest championship runs in sports history. The Celtics won eight consecutive championships from 1959 through 1966. Boston won another championship in 1968 and then again in 1969. Russell retired following the 1969 championship, ending the greatest dynasty the NBA had seen. Boston Celtics NBA Championships Boston has won 18 NBA championships: Year Championship 1957 Celtics defeat… Continue reading Boston Celtics: The Complete History of an NBA Dynasty
Philadelphia 76ers History:
Philadelphia 76ers History: From the Syracuse Nationals to Three NBA Championships The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the NBA’s oldest and most historically important franchises. Their story actually begins in Syracuse, New York, in 1946, when Danny Biasone founded the Syracuse Nationals. The franchise joined the NBA in 1949, won a championship in Syracuse in 1955, moved to Philadelphia in 1963, and became the 76ers. Since then, Philadelphia has been home to Wilt Chamberlain, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson and Joel Embiid. The franchise has won three NBA championships: 1955, 1967 and 1983. From the Syracuse Nationals to the Philadelphia 76ers Danny Biasone Builds the Franchise On November 14, 1946, Danny Biasone founded the Syracuse Nationals, sending a $5,000 check to the National Basketball League. Biasone wasn’t merely an owner. He became one of basketball’s most important innovators. He and general manager Leo Ferris developed the concept of the 24-second shot clock, which transformed professional basketball from a slow, possession-oriented game into the faster sport fans recognize today. The Nationals joined the NBA in 1949 when the NBL and Basketball Association of America merged. The franchise reached the NBA Finals several times before finally winning its first championship in 1955, defeating the Fort Wayne Pistons in seven games. The Franchise’s Ownership History The 76ers’ ownership history is unusual because the franchise has had relatively few ownership changes over more than 75 years. Danny Biasone — 1946-1963 Biasone founded and owned the Syracuse Nationals. He remained the franchise’s principal owner until the team was sold and moved to Philadelphia. Ike Richman and Irv Kosloff — 1963-1976 In 1963, Philadelphia businessmen Ike Richman and Irv Kosloff purchased the Nationals from Biasone. They moved the franchise to Philadelphia and renamed it the 76ers. Their ownership produced one of the greatest teams in NBA history. The 1966-67 76ers went 68-13, then defeated the San Francisco Warriors in the NBA Finals. Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. — 1976-1981 Fitz Dixon purchased the 76ers from Kosloff in 1976. One of his first major moves was acquiring Julius Erving from the New York Nets. That transaction changed the franchise. Harold Katz — 1981-1996 Katz purchased the team from Dixon in 1981. He was the owner when Philadelphia acquired Moses Malone and won the 1983 NBA championship. Comcast Spectacor — 1996-2011 Comcast Spectacor purchased the 76ers from Katz in 1996. The company was led by Philadelphia sports executive Ed Snider. The organization owned the club during the early Allen Iverson years, including Philadelphia’s run to the 2001 NBA Finals. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment — 2011-present In 2011, an investment group led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer purchased the 76ers from Comcast Spectacor. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment remains the controlling ownership group. Every Major 76ers Home Arena Because the franchise began as the Syracuse Nationals, its home-arena history stretches back to the 1940s. State Fair Coliseum — Syracuse The Nationals played some of their earliest games at the State Fair Coliseum. War Memorial Arena — Syracuse The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, originally the War Memorial, became an important Nationals home. It was the setting for the franchise’s first NBA championship in 1955. Philadelphia Civic Center / Convention Hall After moving to Philadelphia in 1963, the new 76ers initially played at Philadelphia’s Civic Center and Convention Hall. The building hosted the team’s early Philadelphia years, including the beginning of the Wilt Chamberlain era. The Spectrum — 1967-1996 The 76ers moved into the Spectrum in 1967. This became the home of the greatest team in franchise history up to that point. The 1967 championship team played its first Spectrum season immediately after winning the title. The Spectrum later became home to the Julius Erving and Moses Malone era. The Center — 1996-1997 The new South Philadelphia arena opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center. It subsequently became the First Union Center and then the Wachovia Center. The 76ers played there during the beginning of the Allen Iverson era. Wells Fargo Center — 2010-2025 The arena eventually became the Wells Fargo Center. It was the home of the 76ers through the 2024-25 season. Xfinity Mobile Arena — 2025-present The arena was renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena effective September 1, 2025. It remains the 76ers’ home in the 2026-27 season. A new arena is currently planned for Philadelphia’s South Philadelphia sports complex, with the project currently scheduled to open in 2030 according to the latest announcement. The Greatest 76ers Draft Picks Philadelphia has had some spectacular drafts, although some of its most important players — Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving and Moses Malone — arrived through other means. Here are several of the franchise’s most important draft selections. Dolph Schayes Schayes was selected by the Syracuse Nationals in 1948. He became the foundation of the franchise’s first great era. He played 15 seasons with the franchise, made 12 All-Star teams and eventually became a Hall of Famer. His No. 4 is retired by Philadelphia. Verdict: Outstanding success. Schayes was the first true superstar in franchise history. Billy Cunningham — 1965 Philadelphia selected Cunningham fifth overall in the 1965 NBA Draft. “The Kangaroo Kid” became one of the most important players in franchise history. He made four All-NBA teams, became an All-Star and eventually coached the 76ers to the 1983 championship. Verdict Outstanding success. He succeeded both as a player and coach. Darryl Dawkins — 1975 Philadelphia selected Darryl Dawkins fifth overall in 1975. He was also one of the first major players to… Continue reading Philadelphia 76ers History:
