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History of the Rochester Royals

The Rochester Royals were one of professional basketball's original success stories and the founding franchise of today's Sacramento Kings. Established in 1945, the Royals quickly became one of the dominant teams in the National Basketball League (NBL) before joining the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and later the newly formed National Basketball Association (NBA). Their greatest achievement came in 1951, when they defeated the New York Knicks to win the NBA Championship. Although the franchise relocated to Cincinnati in 1957, the Rochester Royals remain one of the most accomplished teams of professional basketball's early years.

Founding the Franchise

The Rochester Royals were founded in 1945 by brothers Les Harrison and Jack Harrison. Rochester, New York, was already a thriving basketball city, and the Royals immediately became one of the strongest teams in the NBL.

In just their first season, the Royals captured the 1946 NBL Championship, signaling the arrival of a basketball powerhouse.

Joining the BAA and NBA

In 1948, the Royals left the NBL to join the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which merged with the NBL one year later to form the NBA.

The Royals adapted quickly to the new league and remained one of the NBA's elite teams during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The 1951 NBA Championship

The pinnacle of Rochester basketball came during the 1950–51 season.

Led by Hall of Fame center Arnie Risen, along with stars Bob Davies, Bobby Wanzer, and Jack Coleman, the Royals advanced to the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks.

The Royals won the series in seven games, capturing the 1951 NBA Championship. It remains the only NBA championship in franchise history.

Game 7, played in Rochester, ended with a dramatic 79–75 victory that secured the title for the hometown fans.

The Stars of the Royals

The Rochester Royals featured several of basketball's earliest superstars.

• Bob Davies – One of the NBA's first great point guards, nicknamed "The Harrisburg Houdini."
• Bobby Wanzer – Elite shooter and playmaker who later coached the team.
• Arnie Risen – Hall of Fame center and leader of the championship team.
• Jack Coleman – Outstanding forward who played a key role in the title run.

Decline and Relocation

Although the Royals remained competitive throughout the early 1950s, Rochester's small market made it increasingly difficult to compete financially with larger NBA cities.

Attendance gradually declined, and ownership sought a larger market capable of supporting long-term growth.

Following the 1956–57 season, the franchise relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming the Cincinnati Royals.

Home Arena

Franchise Timeline

Franchise Greats

• Bob Davies
• Arnie Risen
• Bobby Wanzer
• Jack Coleman
• Red Holzman
• Maurice Stokes

Notable Coaches

• Les Harrison
• Bobby Wanzer

Awards and Achievements

• 1946 National Basketball League (NBL) Champions.
• 1951 NBA Champions.
• One of the NBA's original charter franchises.
• Produced numerous Hall of Fame players and coaches.

Legacy

The Rochester Royals laid the foundation for one of the NBA's oldest continuously operating franchises. Their 1951 NBA Championship remains the only league title in the history of today's Sacramento Kings franchise, making the Rochester years a cherished part of the organization's legacy.

Although the team eventually relocated to Cincinnati, then Kansas City, and finally Sacramento, the Royals' championship tradition, Hall of Fame talent, and innovative style of play helped shape professional basketball during its formative years. The Rochester Royals continue to be remembered as one of the pioneers of the modern NBA.