The basketball community is in mourning today following the tragic news that beloved Chicago Bulls broadcaster and three-time NBA champion Stacey King has died at the age of 59. Known for his larger-than-life personality and unforgettable commentary, King’s sudden departure has left an indelible void in the sports world. As fans search for answers about what had happened to the iconic figure, details surrounding his passing are beginning to emerge.
We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King. pic.twitter.com/NSyeopd880
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 7, 2026
According to initial reports from ESPN Chicago, the primary cause of his death is attributed to a tragic accident at his residence. For those wondering exactly how he died, veteran sports reporter David Kaplan shared that King suffered a fatal fall at his home on Sunday. While an official autopsy or further details from his family have not yet been released, the suddenness of the event has left colleagues and fans entirely devastated. Across social media platforms, including numerous dedicated and heartbreaking threads on Reddit, tributes continue to pour in as the Chicago community processes the tremendous loss. Fans are eagerly sharing their favorite broadcasting moments, deeply mourning the unmistakable voice that narrated their team’s highs and lows.
Before he became the beloved voice of Bulls basketball, King carved out a highly impressive athletic career. Hailing from a stellar college tenure at the University of Oklahoma, he was named a consensus First-Team All-American. His sheer dominance on the court led to him being selected sixth overall by the Bulls in the 1989 NBA Draft.
In the early 1990s, King was a pivotal piece of the first Chicago three-peat. Playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, he earned three consecutive championship rings from 1991 to 1993. Over his eight-season professional tenure, he also spent time playing for the Timberwolves, Heat, Mavericks, and Celtics. When looking at his overall career stats, King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game across 438 regular-season appearances.
However, for a younger generation of fans, King will forever be remembered for his incredibly long and vibrant broadcasting career. Transitioning seamlessly from the hardwood court to the television microphone, he spent over two decades as the primary color commentator for the Bulls network. He brought unparalleled energy to every broadcast, coining legendary and highly memorable catchphrases like “Gimme the hot sauce!” that became deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the franchise.
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released a heartfelt statement honoring the legend, noting his three-decade connection to the organization and his profound impact on generations of loyal viewers. “We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization,” Reinsdorf remarked. King wasn’t just a former player; he was the passionate, beating heart of the fan base.
As we remember his incredible contributions to the game, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Stacey King did not just pass away; he left behind a permanent, joyous legacy that will enthusiastically echo through the United Center for decades to come.