Stacey King Dead at 59: NBA Champion and Chicago Bulls Broadcaster Dies After Fall at Home

The Chicago Bulls and the wider NBA world are in mourning today after the death of Stacey King, the beloved three-time NBA champion turned Emmy Award-winning broadcaster who became the unmistakable voice of Bulls basketball for more than two decades. King was 59.

The Bulls announced King's passing on Sunday, June 7, 2026, writing on X: "We are devastated by the passing of 3x NBA Champion and beloved broadcaster Stacey King." The news sent shockwaves through Chicago and the basketball community at large, triggering an immediate and emotional outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and NBA officials.

Stacey King Cause of Death: Fall at His River Forest Home

King reportedly fell at his home in River Forest, Illinois on June 7, 2026. While the fall has been reported as the cause of his passing, the exact cause of death remains pending following an autopsy and the coroner's report.

King was pronounced dead Sunday morning in the 500 block of Bonnie Brae in River Forest. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that a head autopsy is scheduled to formally determine the cause of death.

ESPN 1000 co-host David Kaplan was among the first to share details, writing on X: "Absolutely devastated to hear that Stacey King has passed away at the age of 59 after a fall at his home. He made watching the Bulls, no matter good season or bad, so much fun. God bless you, my friend. RIP."

Who Was Stacey King? Biography and Early Life

Stacey King was born on January 29, 1967, in Lawton, Oklahoma. The 6-foot-11 big man attended Lawton High School before going on to play college basketball at the University of Oklahoma.

At Oklahoma, King helped the Sooners reach the 1988 national championship game and became one of the program's great frontcourt players. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 1989, Big Eight Player of the Year as a senior, and his No. 33 remains part of Oklahoma basketball history.

His combination of size, athleticism, and competitive fire made him one of the most coveted prospects in the country heading into the 1989 NBA Draft — a draft that would set the course for the rest of his life.

NBA Career: Three Championships With Michael Jordan's Bulls

King was selected sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft. It was a pick that placed him at the centre of one of the most storied dynasties in professional sports history.

At 6-foot-11, King gave the team frontcourt depth during the early years of its championship rise. He was part of the Bulls teams that won three straight NBA titles from 1991 through 1993 alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, and the rest of the core that turned Chicago into the centre of basketball.

King averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds over his five seasons with the Bulls. He played a total of eight seasons in the NBA during a career that also included stops in Minnesota, Miami, Boston, and Dallas, posting career averages of 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds.

While his playing numbers were modest, his contribution to one of basketball's greatest dynasties — alongside Jordan and Pippen through three consecutive titles — cemented his legacy in Chicago forever.

Broadcasting Career: The Voice of Bulls Basketball for 20+ Years

After retiring from playing, King transitioned into coaching, serving as the head coach of the Rockford Lightning, before eventually finding his true calling behind the microphone.

King worked as a colour commentator from the 2006–07 season through the 2025–26 season for Bulls television broadcasts — a remarkable run that spanned nearly two full decades and bridged generations of Bulls fans.

King, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, became famous for his nicknames and signature calls, among them: "Gimme the hot sauce," "Let me step back and kiss myself," and "Drive home safely, Chicago! Beep, beep!"

For fans across the globe, Stacey King was more than just a player or a commentator; he was the unforgettable voice of a city, known for his infectious energy and those signature catchphrases.

There has been very little levity in terms of Bulls basketball in the last decade, but on many game nights, King was a lone beacon through a lot of dark seasons — a big man with an even bigger personality.

Tributes Pour In From the NBA World

The tributes following King's death have been swift, heartfelt, and universal.

Bulls owner and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said: "Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization's history. His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans. We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day."

Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf added: "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. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation, or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued."

The NBA issued a formal statement: "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 honoured King on Sunday night with a moment of silence ahead of their game, a rare cross-sport tribute that underscored how deeply woven King had become into the fabric of Chicago sports.

Fans on social media were equally devastated. "Breaks my heart. Stacey King was a legend on the mic. He made so many miserable games fun to watch and the fun games even better. Definition of irreplaceable. Nicest guy ever as well meeting him in person. Rest in peace legend," one fan wrote.

Another added: "I've watched way more Bulls basketball than I otherwise would've the last few years because of that man — his energy, personality, and iconic catchphrases. This is a crushing loss for the Bulls, their fans, and for the NBA. He was truly one of the best."

Stacey King's Family: Wife Debi and Four Sons

Stacey King is survived by his wife, Debi, and his four sons: Eric, Garrett, Brandon, and Mason. Over the years, King often expressed how much his family meant to him.

One of his final emotional social media posts came in May 2026, when he paid tribute to his late mother on Mother's Day, recalling how she taught him important lessons that he hoped to pass on to his own children.

Stacey King's Legacy: More Than a Catchphrase

Stacey King's legacy is one that cannot be reduced to rings or ratings. He was the man who made losing seasons bearable, who made wins feel like celebrations, and who made millions of fans feel like they were watching the game with a friend.

The Bulls' official statement captured it perfectly: "A member of the Bulls' first three NBA championship teams from 1991–93, Stacey played an important role during one of the most historic eras in franchise history. What people will remember most is not just what he accomplished on the court but who he was. Stacey brought energy, humor, authenticity and heart to everything he did, and people were naturally drawn to him. For more than two decades as an Emmy-winning broadcaster, Stacey became a defining voice of Bulls basketball. His passion for the game was unmistakable, and his enthusiasm, storytelling and love for the Bulls created lasting memories for fans."

The Bulls have announced plans to honour King throughout the next season, with further announcements to follow in the near future.

Stacey King was 59 years old. He was a champion, a broadcaster, a father, and a man who gave everything he had to the city of Chicago. Drive home safely, Stacey. Beep, beep.