Jun 8, 2026 8:15 PM

Chicago Sports Network color commentator and three-time NBA Champion Stacey King passed away at 59 years old on Sunday.

The news that longtime Bulls color commentator and former player Stacey King passed away on Sunday shook the greater Chicago community.

King was widely cherished as a broadcaster and a representative of the team, for his enthusiasm for the Bulls as much as his impact on everyone who met him. Colleagues, players, fans and more took to social media to share their favorite memories with King following his passing, honoring the legacy of one of the most beloved faces in the Chicago Bulls community.

This is the life of Stacey King, from those closest to him, those who grew up listening to him but never had the chance to meet him, and everyone in between:

Chuck Garfien, Chicago Sports Network White Sox Host

"I came on the air in 2004 at Comcast SportsNet and I was doing pre and postgame shows with Stacey. I've known him for a long time. He was the No. 1 pick by the Bulls in 1989, he was a part of the Bulls' first three championships with Michael Jordan, and he has been in your homes for years and for decades. We are feeling a gaping hole of loss here at CHSN, here at the United Center and throughout Chicago."

"The passion, the homerism — which is, in my opinion, a compliment — that he brought to Bulls basketball, he cared about Bulls wins just like you do... Players come and go. Stacey was just there every game, and him not being a part of Bulls basketball again is tough to comprehend."

Michael Jordan, Former Bulls Teammate

"I'm deeply saddened to learn of Stacey's passing. We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey's family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched."

K.C. Johnson, CHSN Bulls Sideline Reporter

"Stacey was one of a kind because his passion was authentic and his ability to connect with so many was genuine. His knowledge of the game sometimes got overshadowed by his catch phrases. But man, he knew ball. He welcomed me to broadcast side and made me better RIP to an original"

Scottie Pippen, Former Bulls Teammate

"Sad to hear about the passing of Stacey King."

"A champion, a great teammate, and a true ambassador for the game. His impact on the Bulls organization and the city of Chicago will be remembered for generations. Rest in peace, King."

Neil Funk, Former NBC Sports Bulls Announcer

"I can remember so many times where he was tired, grouchy, whatever, but as soon as the light came on, it became King's World. He just loved what he did. He had really strong feelings for the Bulls, and in particular, Jerry Reinsdorf. It wasn't just the grind of the NBA and doing the games that he loved. He just loved life."

"It was amazing to me. Sometimes we'd run into people on the street or in an arena, and he made every one of those people feel like he was the only person in the building. Unbelievable personality. They're not going to make another Stacey King. He was unique in his talent and his personality, and he cared about people. He really did enjoy people."

Matt Peck, CHGO Bulls Host

Trae Young, Former Oklahoma Sooners Guard

"Being in the gym today that Stacey King helped build… then hearing the news"

"My deepest condolences to the Family!"

"Stacey King will never be forgotten"

Ricky O'Donnell, SB Nation Writer and Bulls Fan

"Stacey King treated me with so much warmth and kindness when having me on his podcast over the years. He was just the best guy. Absolutely gutted to hear about his passing. Can't imagine watching Bulls games without him."

Cam Smith, CHSN Bulls Host

"Still processing this news. Stacey was a great teammate on our Bulls broadcasts and showed love during our conversations."

"Always grateful for that."

"Rest In Power, Stacey…"

Ayo Dosunmu, Former Bulls Guard

Michael McCarthy, CHSN President and CEO

"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."

Matas Buzelis, Bulls Forward

Steve Stone, CHSN White Sox Announcer

"Our Chicago sports community has lost a great man and broadcaster. Stacey King passed away at 59 years old. He came to be synonymous with the Bulls. Great enthusiasm and a wonderful personality were his calling cards. He'll be missed by many. He gave us all the hot sauce. RIP"

Jason Benetti, Former NBC Sports White Sox Announcer

"The world lost one of the most hilarious, joyful, thoughtful guys out there."

"There's way too much hot sauce in heaven today."

Connor Onion, CHSN Bulls Announcer

"Because of Stacey, we as Bulls fans know "it's a simple game.""

"Because of Stacey, we always have hot sauce ready."

"Because of Stacey, we like our meatballs spicy."

"Because of Stacey - and the joy he brought - this goodbye hits so hard."

"Drive home safely, Stacey. Beep Beep."

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Personality

"I didn't know him that well. Obviously, when I got to Chicago and I went to Chicago Bulls games, I would see him. One of the nicest guys you could ever meet in your life. Really, class personified, very passionate, loved his job and the fans loved him."

"A guy like him, you almost had the mentality that God ain't gonna take him away from us too early, because he gives so much to so many people, put a smile on your face whenever you met him. Especially when he was talking about his Bulls, you just found yourself hoping and praying that he was gonna be okay. It's really sad that he's gone. You can just feel folks in Chicago, it's a devastating blow."

Steph Noh, The Sporting News Writer and Bulls Fan

"RIP to an absolute legend @Stacey21King."

"I hope Stacey is remembered as a man of the people. He would stay for 45 minutes to an hour after games every night for 20 years in order to take pictures and meet Bulls fans."  

Kenny Beecham, Enjoy Basketball Creator and Bulls Fan

"Every one of these type of notifications hit so hard."

"Stacey King made watching bad Bulls seasons more enjoyable with his commentary. Truly was the one person you could count on every game"

"Im sick to my stomach."

"RIP Stacey King"

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