Current Ownership of the Sacramento Kings
The Maloof family no longer owns the Sacramento Kings. The NBA approved the sale of the Kings to a Seattle-based group led by Vivek Ranadivé in May 2013. The transaction closed later that year, ending the Maloofs' 16-year tenure as owners of the franchise. The team is now operated under Ranadivé's ownership group, which includes several other investors. For details on the NBA's approval process, see the official league announcement here.
The Kings are currently valued at over $3 billion according to Forbes' latest NBA franchise valuations. The team plays its home games at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Vivek Ranadivé serves as the controlling owner and chairman of the franchise. The organization has focused on modernizing the business operations and fan experience since the acquisition.
History of the Maloof Family's Ownership
The Maloof brothers, George and Gavin, purchased the Kings in 2000 after relocating the franchise from Kansas City. The family also owned the now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA and had stakes in other sports properties. During their ownership, the Kings became known for competitive teams and a loyal fanbase, though the franchise faced financial challenges in the late 2000s. The Maloofs attempted to sell the team and relocate it to Seattle in 2011, but the NBA blocked the move.
The sale to Vivek Ranadivé's group for a then-record $535 million marked a major turning point for the franchise. The Maloofs retained no ownership stake after the deal closed. George Maloof later focused on other business ventures, while Gavin Maloof remained involved in real estate and sports investments. The NBA's decision to reject the Seattle relocation bid was a key factor in keeping the team in Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings Business and Financials Today
The Kings generate revenue from ticket sales, media rights, sponsorships, and arena operations. Golden 1 Center, which opened in 2016, is a modern multi-purpose venue that hosts NBA games, concerts, and events. The franchise's valuation has grown significantly since the Ranadivé-led group took over. The team's business model emphasizes long-term stability and community engagement in the Sacramento region.
The NBA's collective bargaining agreement and media deals have boosted revenue for all franchises, including the Kings. The team's broadcast rights are managed through partnerships with regional sports networks and streaming platforms. For more on NBA franchise valuations and media deals, see the Forbes NBA valuation report here. The Kings continue to operate as a competitive team on the court while expanding their commercial footprint off the court.