The Los Angeles Kings and the Sacramento Kings, while sharing a city name (Los Angeles vs. Sacramento), are entirely separate entities with distinct histories. The notion that the LA Kings were "based off" the NBA Kings is inaccurate. They are independent franchises with different origins and sporting legacies. However, there are some interesting historical connections and shared experiences that are worth exploring.
How Did the LA Kings Come About?
The LA Kings' origins lie solely within the world of ice hockey. The franchise was established in 1967 as one of the six expansion teams joining the National Hockey League (NHL). Their creation was part of the NHL's strategic expansion into new markets, driven by the growing popularity of the sport and the potential for new fan bases. There's no documentation or evidence linking their founding to the NBA's then-Cincinnati Royals (who later relocated and became the Sacramento Kings).
What About Shared Ownership or Management?
At no point in their respective histories have the LA Kings and the Sacramento Kings shared significant ownership or management structures. While individual investors might have been involved with both franchises at different times, there's no overarching connection in terms of controlling stakeholders or operational leadership. The teams have operated independently throughout their existence.
Did the NBA Kings Influence the LA Kings' Branding or Identity?
While there's no direct lineage, the use of "Kings" in both team names is purely coincidental. The naming conventions were likely independent decisions reflecting different branding strategies at their respective times. The NBA team's name predates the NHL team, but this is a matter of timing, not influence. The LA Kings developed their own distinct visual identity, logos, and team colors, independent of the NBA Kings' branding choices.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion likely stems from the shared "Kings" moniker and the fact that both teams represent Los Angeles (or California, in the case of Sacramento). The similarity in team names leads some to mistakenly assume a connection between the two organizations.
Were there Any other California Teams that Influenced the LA Kings?
The LA Kings' development and early success were influenced by the broader context of hockey in California and the growth of the NHL. However, the impact of other Californian teams was minimal; they were developing their individual identities within their respective leagues. The focus was establishing a successful and independent hockey franchise in the Los Angeles area.
In conclusion, the LA Kings and the Sacramento Kings are two separate professional sports franchises with no historical connection beyond the shared "Kings" name. Their development and growth have been entirely independent of each other, reflecting different pathways in the history of their respective leagues.
