Sydney Kings NBL Profile: Five things you need to know

The Sydney Kings are one of the most iconic and successful teams in the National Basketball League (NBL), based in Sydney, New South Wales.

Established in 1988, the Kings have a long and storied history in Australian basketball, marked by multiple championships, star players, and passionate fans. Known for their high-profile status as the NBL’s flagship franchise, the Kings have consistently been one of the league’s most prominent teams, particularly in terms of fan support and media attention.

Formation and early struggles (1988–1995)

The Sydney Kings were formed in 1988 through a merger of two struggling Sydney-based NBL teams, the Sydney Supersonics and the West Sydney Westars. The merger was part of a broader strategy to establish a more sustainable and competitive basketball presence in Sydney, Australia’s largest city. From their inception, the Kings were positioned as the NBL's marquee franchise, with expectations to succeed both on and off the court.

However, the team’s early years were filled with challenges. Despite having some talented players on their roster, including Damian Keogh,
Dwayne McClain, Steve Carfino, Tim Morrissey and Leon Trimmingham struggled to find consistent success in the highly competitive NBL. Financial difficulties and instability within the organisation also plagued the team in its formative years, making it difficult to compete with more established clubs.

Despite these setbacks, the Kings began to build a loyal fan base in Sydney, known for their enthusiastic support. The team's early struggles laid the foundation for what would become a brighter future, as they worked to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.

Rise to success and first championship (1996–2005)

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a significant turning point for the Sydney Kings. Under the guidance of coach Brian Goorjian, who joined the team in 2002, the Kings began to realize their potential. Goorjian brought a winning culture to the team, focusing on defence, discipline, and team-oriented play. His leadership would prove instrumental in turning the Kings into championship contenders.

In 2003, the Sydney Kings won their first-ever NBL Championship, defeating the Perth Wildcats in the Grand Final. This victory was a monumental achievement for the franchise, as they had finally fulfilled the promise of becoming a dominant force in the league. The Kings’ success continued over the next few years, as they won back-to-back championships in 2004 and 2005, completing a historic three-peat.

The Kings’ roster during this era featured several standout players, including Matthew Nielsen, Jason Smith, and CJ Bruton, who played pivotal roles in the team’s championship success. This period of dominance firmly established the Kings as one of the NBL’s most successful and respected franchises.

Financial troubles and hiatus (2008–2010)

Despite their on-court success, the Sydney Kings faced significant financial challenges in the late 2000s. In 2008, the team was forced to withdraw from the NBL due to financial insolvency, leaving the league without its marquee franchise. The Kings’ absence from the league was a major blow to both the team’s fan base and the NBL, as Sydney is one of the largest basketball markets in Australia.

During this hiatus, efforts were made to revive the Kings and bring them back to the NBL. The team’s ownership group restructured, and new financial backing was secured.

After a two-year absence, the Sydney Kings made their much-anticipated return to the NBL in the 2010-11 season.

Rebuilding and return to contention (2010–2019)

Upon their return to the NBL in 2010, the Sydney Kings faced the challenge of rebuilding both their roster and their reputation. The team initially struggled to regain the form that had made them champions in the early 2000s. However, the Kings remained determined to restore their place among the league’s elite.

Over the next several seasons, the Kings focused on developing young talent and recruiting high-profile players. One of the key figures in the team’s resurgence was Andrew Bogut, the former NBA number one draft pick and Australian basketball icon, who joined the Kings in 2018. Bogut’s arrival brought renewed attention to the team and significantly raised the Kings’ profile both in Australia and internationally.

Under coach Will Weaver, the Kings became a formidable contender once again. In the 2019-20 season, the Kings finished the regular season as minor premiers, reaching the NBL Grand Final series for the first time since their three-peat era. However, the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Kings ultimately fell to the Perth Wildcats in the finals.

Recent success and championship glory (2020–Present)

The Sydney Kings’ perseverance paid off in the 2021-22 season when they won their fourth NBL Championship, ending a 17-year title drought. Under head coach Chase Buford and led by standout players such as Jaylen Adams, Xavier Cooks, and Jarell Martin, the Kings defeated the Tasmania JackJumpers in the Grand Final series, returning to the top of the NBL after years of rebuilding and near-misses.

The Kings' recent success has revitalised the franchise, reaffirming their status as one of the premier teams in the NBL. With a mix of experienced veterans, international stars, and young talent, the Kings are once again among the league’s top contenders. The club's strong community engagement, passionate fan base, and commitment to winning have positioned them for continued success in the years to come.

Five Fast Facts About the Sydney Kings

1. Founded in 1988: The Sydney Kings were formed through the merger of two struggling Sydney teams, the Sydney Supersonics and West Sydney Westars, to create a single, sustainable NBL franchise in Australia’s largest city.
2. Four-Time NBL Champions: The Kings have won four NBL championships—in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2022—with their 2003-2005 three-peat marking one of the most dominant periods in the NBL’s history.
3. First NBL Three-Peat: From 2003 to 2005, the Kings became the first team in NBL history to win three consecutive championships, solidifying their reputation as one of the league’s powerhouse franchises.
4. Andrew Bogut’s Impact: Former NBA number one draft pick Andrew Bogut joined the Kings in 2018, raising the team’s profile and helping lead them to the 2019-20 Grand Final series.
5. Home Games at Qudos Bank Arena: The Kings play their home games at Qudos Bank Arena, one of the largest indoor sports venues in Australia, with a capacity of over 18,000, providing an exciting and energetic atmosphere for NBL games.

The Sydney Kings have had a storied history filled with challenges and triumphs. From their early struggles to their championship glory, financial hardships, and eventual resurgence, the Kings remain a vital part of the NBL landscape. As they continue to compete at the highest level, the Kings are once again a force to be reckoned with, driven by their loyal fan base and the rich basketball culture in Sydney.