The sports world was stunned on June 7, 2026, with the news that Stacey King, the beloved former Chicago Bulls player and Emmy-winning broadcaster, had passed away at the age of 59. A three-time NBA champion during the iconic Bulls dynasty of the early 1990s, King later became a cherished voice of the franchise, serving as its lead color commentator for nearly two decades.
Known for his infectious energy, humor, and iconic catchphrases, King’s connection to the team and its fans was unparalleled. His loss was felt immediately across the basketball community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, players, and admirers who celebrated not only his achievements on the court but his profound impact as a person. King, who continued to work through the end of the 2025-26 season, is survived by his four sons.
Following the announcement, details surrounding the cause of his death emerged, adding a sudden and tragic note to the news. However, for many, the immediate question of his legacy also turned to his life’s work and the financial standing he had built over a multifaceted career in professional sports.
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Stacey King’s Cause of Death
In the wake of the Bulls’ statement, reports quickly surfaced regarding the circumstances of King’s passing. According to multiple outlets, citing ESPN Chicago host David Kaplan, Stacey King died after a serious fall at his home on the evening of June 6, 2026. While the team’s initial announcement did not provide a cause of death, these reports painted a picture of a tragic, sudden accident.
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who later became a fan-favorite on their broadcast team, has died at the age of 59, the team announced Sunday.
More: https://t.co/6qVZ8qkVaf pic.twitter.com/5hoNhEirY3
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2026
The news was met with widespread shock, as King had remained an active and vibrant presence through the end of the Bulls’ season. As the sports world mourned, the focus remained on celebrating his life, from his days as a formidable reserve center for Michael Jordan’s Bulls to his later role as a cultural icon in Chicago and beyond.
Estimated Net Worth in 2026
Pinpointing an exact net worth for a figure like Stacey King is challenging, as private financial details are rarely disclosed. However, an analysis of his dual career as a professional athlete and a broadcaster provides a clear picture of his financial standing. It is reasonable to estimate that at the time of his death in 2026, Stacey King’s net worth was approximately $10 million to $20 million. The disparity in these figures comes from various public estimates; some entertainment outlets had valued his worth closer to the higher end of that range as of 2025.
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King’s wealth was accumulated in two primary phases. First, as the sixth overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft, he secured a lucrative rookie contract and earned significant salaries over an eight-season NBA career. While he was a role player, his status as a top draft pick for a marquee franchise likely commanded a substantial income for the era. The second, and more substantial, source of his wealth came from his successful post-playing career. He worked as a color commentator for nearly two decades, a long-term role that would have provided a steady and substantial annual income, estimated by some to be in the range of $200,000.
Additionally, King leveraged his fame for other ventures, including a reported ownership stake in a sports bar, real estate holdings, and various philanthropic and endorsement activities, all of which contributed to his overall estate. Ultimately, while a precise dollar amount remains speculative, Stacey King’s net worth reflects the impressive financial success of a man who turned a relatively brief but celebrated playing career into a stable and lucrative second act in broadcasting.
