Name: Ronald Stacey King
Age: 59
Birthday: January 29, 1967
Born: Lawton, Oklahoma, USA
Net Worth: Approximately $5 million
Fun Fact: Stacey King was named the National Player of the Year in college basketball in 1989 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners, beating out future NBA legends like Tim Hardaway and Shawn Kemp for the honor.
Stacey King was a towering figure in Chicago basketball history — both literally at 6-foot-11 and figuratively as a three-time NBA champion with the Bulls who later became one of the most beloved broadcasters in the league. When news broke on June 7, 2026 that King had passed away at age 59, the basketball world mourned a man who brought joy, authenticity and an unmistakable voice to Bulls games for two decades.
From Lawton to Stardom: How Stacey King Built His Career
Born Ronald Stacey King on January 29, 1967 in Lawton, Oklahoma, King grew into a dominant force on the basketball court. At the University of Oklahoma, he became a college basketball phenomenon, averaging 22.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game as a senior. His stellar play earned him the 1989 National Player of the Year award — a remarkable achievement that put him on the NBA's radar.
The Chicago Bulls selected King with the 6th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, bringing him into an organization on the verge of dynasty. Playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, King won three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993. Over his eight-year NBA career, which also included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, King averaged 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 438 career appearances.
The Financial Foundations: NBA Salary and Career Earnings
According to Basketball-Reference, King earned at least $9.03 million in salary during his NBA playing career. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, NBA salaries were significantly lower than today's staggering figures, but King's earnings as a first-round draft pick provided a solid financial foundation. His rookie contract alone was substantial for the era, and he continued to earn NBA-level salaries throughout his eight seasons in the league.
After his playing career ended in 1997, King transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls from 2001 to 2003. He also coached in the Continental Basketball Association before finding his true calling behind the microphone.
The Broadcasting Years: A Steady Income Stream
In 2006, King joined the Bulls' television broadcast team as a color commentator, a role he would hold for 20 years until his passing. His partnership with play-by-play announcer Adam Amin (and previously Neil Funk) became a staple of Chicago sports media. King's catchphrases, genuine enthusiasm and deep basketball knowledge made him a fan favorite across the NBA.
As a broadcaster for a major market NBA team, King earned a competitive salary. Sports broadcasting contracts for lead analysts in top markets typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 annually, providing King with a reliable and substantial income for two decades. Combined with his NBA pension — which he qualified for after playing more than three seasons in the league — these broadcasting earnings formed the backbone of his long-term financial stability.
Endorsements, Appearances and Other Income
King's popularity extended beyond the broadcast booth. He was a sought-after speaker for corporate events and basketball clinics, commanding appearance fees through talent booking agencies. His celebrity status in Chicago, one of America's largest media markets, also opened doors for endorsement opportunities and local commercial appearances. King's recognizable face and voice made him a natural fit for promotional campaigns tied to the Bulls organization.
According to several financial estimates published following his death, King's net worth was approximately $3-5 million at the time of his passing. This figure accounts for his NBA salary earnings, two decades of broadcasting income, NBA pension benefits and supplemental income from appearances and endorsements.
Stacey King Net Worth: The Bottom Line
Stacey King's net worth of approximately $5 million reflects a career built on basketball excellence and sustained through a second act as one of the NBA's most beloved broadcasters. While he never reached the stratospheric wealth of his Bulls teammates like Michael Jordan or Scottie Pippen, King built a comfortable and enduring financial legacy through smart career transitions. His NBA salary of over $9 million in playing earnings, combined with 20 years of broadcasting income and his league pension, provided him with lasting financial security.
More than the numbers, King's true legacy is measured in the joy he brought to millions of Bulls fans. His catchphrases — from calling a big shot "a building" to his enthusiastic "Stacey King!" self-introductions — became part of Chicago's cultural fabric. He proved that a player could find his greatest success not in the box score, but in the broadcast booth, connecting with fans night after night. Stacey King's net worth may have been in the millions, but his value to the city of Chicago and the basketball community was truly priceless.
