Despite a promising roster and a recent surge in performance, the Sacramento Kings have once again been overlooked in the NBA’s marquee scheduling decisions for the 2024–25 season.
A Pattern of Exclusion
The Kings’ absence from national broadcasts is not a new issue. In the 2024 NBA Cup group stage, Sacramento faced the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers—none of which were nationally televised. The only game in the Western Conference Group A to receive national coverage was the Wolves-Clippers matchup on November 29, 2024 .(SI)
This trend continued into the NBA All-Star Weekend. Despite having players like Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, the Kings were the only team without representation during the festivities. Sabonis, in particular, was a notable snub, leading to widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike .(A Royal Pain)
The Kings’ Performance and Roster Changes
The 2024–25 season saw the Kings finishing with a 40–42 record, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. They were eliminated from playoff contention in the play-in tournament by the Dallas Mavericks . Midseason changes, including the firing of Coach Mike Brown and the trade of De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, signaled a shift in the team’s direction. Zach LaVine was acquired from the Chicago Bulls, joining forces with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis .(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
The NBA’s Scheduling Priorities
The NBA’s scheduling decisions often favor teams with larger markets and higher national appeal. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to play on Christmas Day for the 26th consecutive season, while the Kings have not appeared on the holiday schedule since 2003 . This disparity highlights the league’s tendency to prioritize big-market teams, regardless of on-court performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Kings continue to build their roster and aim for future success, the challenge remains: gaining the national recognition they deserve. While their performance may not always align with the league’s scheduling priorities, the Kings’ passionate fan base and potential for growth suggest that brighter days—and broader exposure—may lie ahead.
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