CHICAGO (WLS) — Stacey King, a beloved figure in the world of basketball, both as a player and a commentator, has passed away at the age of 59. The Chicago Bulls, with whom King won three NBA championships, shared the sad news on Sunday.
Jerry Reinsdorf, the Bulls’ Owner and Chairman, reflected on King’s impact, stating, “Stacey King was a treasured member of the Bulls family, possessing one of the most distinct personalities in our history. His bond with Chicago, the Bulls, and our loyal fans spanned over three decades. First, he made his mark on the court and later became the recognizable voice that brought Bulls basketball into countless homes. We will deeply miss him and cherish the joy, energy, humor, honesty, and passion he shared daily with our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans.”
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The Cook County medical examiner’s office reported that King was discovered deceased at his River Forest residence on Sunday morning. An autopsy is necessary to determine the precise cause, amid reports suggesting he suffered a fall.
Ike White, a close friend of King’s, spoke to ABC7 about the sudden loss. “We had just spoken recently, planning a summer together filled with good times and shrimp dinners,” White shared. “Then, while I was driving this morning, I received a call from his son with the heartbreaking news of Stacey’s passing. It was completely unexpected. We’ve been friends for 30 years, and just like that, he’s gone. It’s shocking and painful to see his son in such grief, knowing there’s nothing you can do.”
White reminisced about King’s ever-present smile and his deep love for the Bulls and Chicago. Now, the vibrant voice that once animated Bulls broadcasts and enriched the lives of those around him is a cherished memory.
White says King always had a smile on his face and loved everything about the team and this city. But now, the voice of the Bulls and the voice of this man’s lifelong friend has become a memory.
“Anytime I talked to him we ended with I love you and not to be able to say that anymore that hurts,” White said.
It is remarkable to look back on the legacy King has left on this franchise and city, both on the court and in the broadcast booth.
Chicago Sports Network issued a statement from President and CEO Michael McCarthy, saying, “Stacey King was one of the most beloved figures in Chicago sports. As a three-time NBA champion, he helped build the legacy of the Chicago Bulls. As a broadcaster, he brought that same passion, authenticity, and unmistakable personality into the homes of fans for nearly two decades. Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans. Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better. We are deeply grateful that Stacey was part of the Chicago Sports Network family and the Bulls broadcast team. His impact on this city, this franchise, and our network will be felt for years to come. On behalf of everyone at CHSN, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Stacey’s family, friends, teammates, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
ABC7 caught up with our former sports anchor, Jim Rose, who had a front-row seat to King’s career over the years. He shared just how special he was.
“Stacey King was an icon as far as a broadcaster is concerned, and one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. I’m so saddened to hear of his loss like that. He is one of the greatest basketball analysts that I’ve ever heard in my long career, and he will be missed,” Rose said. “He always wanted to leave you better than he found you and he would give a lot of young broadcasters good advice: ‘Just be yourself,’ and which is exactly what he was.”
And of course, there is the personality and talent that he brought to that Bulls dynasty team in the 1990s.
King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in an eight-season playing career that later included stops with the Timberwolves, Heat, Celtics and Mavericks.
It was the start of his professional career with the Bulls, however, where King had his most success. The sixth overall pick in the 1989 draft out of Oklahoma, King played all 82 games as a rookie, coming off the bench to average 8.9 points and 4.7 rebounds while playing alongside Michael Jordan as the Bulls reeled off three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Bulls Team 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… 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.”
Following his playing career, King went into coaching, taking a job as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning of the Continental Basketball Association for the 2001-02 season.
Flowers rest in front of the United Center on Sunday night with King’s own words etched on the front, honoring the Bulls legend who brought so much excitement to fans across the nation.
“Can’t believe we lost an absolute legend here today. He’s someone that represented Bulls basketball in the community and through the broadcasts to the best of the ability,” said Bulls fan Christopher Widdel.
The NBA issued a statement, saying, “The NBA family mourns the passing of Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and longtime Chicago Bulls television analyst. Stacey made his mark on the game as a player, coach and commentator. For more than 20 years on Bulls broadcasts, his passion, knowledge and unmistakable energy resonated with generations of fans. We extend our deepest condolences to Stacey’s family and friends and the Bulls organization.”
The Chicago Cubs honored King on Sunday night with a moment of silence ahead of their game, and there will surely be many more tributes to come across the city.
ESPN contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
