The Chicago Bulls announced that long-time broadcaster and former player Stacey King died Sunday at age 59. The team said no cause of death was known at the time and planned to honor him throughout the season.
When the Chicago Bulls announced Sunday that Stacey King had died at 59, the news landed like a quiet shock for fans who grew up hearing his voice and watching him wear the uniform.
The organization said no cause of death was known at the time of the announcement. Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke first. calling King “a cherished member of the Bulls family” and one of the “truly unique personalities” in the club’s history. He said King’s connection to Chicago. the Bulls. and their fans stretched “more than three decades. ” beginning with his time as a player and continuing afterward as “the unmistakable voice” bringing Bulls basketball into homes for generations.
Reinsdorf promised the team would miss him “deeply,” and he listed what King brought with him to the organization and broadcasts every day: “joy, energy, humor, candor and passion.” He added that the Bulls’ thoughts are with King’s family and loved ones.
Team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf followed with words that emphasized not just King’s role on the microphone. but the personal way he made people feel at games and beyond. “Stacey loved being a Bull. ” Reinsdorf said. describing a kind of commitment that showed up across everything King did—“the way he played. the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans.”.
Reinsdorf said King had a “unique gift” for bringing people together and making each game feel personal. adding that he did it through more than just broadcasting. Whether it was “through a broadcast. a conversation or a photo with a fan. ” he made people feel “seen and valued.” Reinsdorf said the Bulls were fortunate to know King not only as a former player and broadcaster. but “as a friend. ” and that King “genuinely cared about people” in a way that “made our organization better.”.
King’s impact spans both eras of Bulls history. He was part of the team’s first three championships, playing during the 1991–93 run after standing out at Oklahoma. After his playing career ended, he became an Emmy-winning broadcaster. The Bulls also credited him for a distinctive approach defined by his passion and his famous sayings.
The team said it plans to honor King throughout the season, with additional announcements to come in the near future.
Chicago Bulls Stacey King NBA broadcaster former player Jerry Reinsdorf Michael Reinsdorf Oklahoma championships Emmy-winning
No cause of death yet?? That’s scary. RIP Stacey King.
Man I grew up on his voice, like for real. I saw “no cause known” and I immediately assumed it was something sudden like a heart thing. Either way, this is just awful.
It says he was a former player and broadcaster but also Emmy-winning so like… did he ever stop playing? I’m confused. Also Jerry Reinsdorf always talks like he’s the one doing the broadcasting, lol.
So he died at 59 and they don’t know why yet, okay but you know the news is gonna start guessing. First I heard “wasn’t his voice anymore” and now it’s true. I hate that he’s gone, he always made Bulls games feel like a family thing, even if I only half paid attention.