11
Aug
Team Profile
Sydney Kings: Five things you need to know
Sydney Kings dynasty retools in an attempt to ascend to the NBL throne once again
- The Sydney Kings have won 5 NBL titles
- The Kings won both the 22’ and 23’ NBL titles
- Kings have retooled roster after early exit last season
- Revealed: All 165 games of the 2025-26 NBL season
The Sydney Kings are the glitz and glamour of the NBL. Based in Australia’s largest city, they operate with a big-market mentality, aiming not just to compete, but to lead the league in visibility and professionalism. With strong crowd engagement and slick marketing, the Kings often set the standard for how basketball is presented in the country. Their culture embraces confidence, high expectations and a belief that winning and spectacle can go hand in hand. Few teams generate as much attention or carry as much pressure to succeed as the Kings do.
2024-25 Season Summary
- Record (16-13)
- Finish 5th (Eliminated in play-in)
- All NBL Selections: Xavier Cooks (2nd team)
After a disappointing play-in exit, the Sydney Kings entered the 2025 off-season determined to shake up their roster, with a clear focus on strengthening their backcourt. The headline move was the signing of NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova on a three year deal, bringing leadership, defensive toughness, and veteran experience to the point guard position. Alongside him, the Kings added Kendric Davis to boost their playmaking depth and had a reunion with Brazilian big man Tim Soares. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, the Kings are building a roster that reflects a more team first mentality and a serious intent to contend for the NBL26 title.
Sydney Kings (Roster Complete)
Head Coach: Brian Goorjian
Potential Line-up
- PG: Matthew Dellavedova | Shaun Bruce
- SG: Kendric Davis (IP) | Tyler Robertson
- SF: Bul Kuol | Jaylin Galloway | Makuach Maluach
- PF: Xavier Cooks | Kouat Noi
- C: Tim Soares (IP) | Keli Leaupepe | Jason Spurgin (DP)
IP: Import
DP: Development Player
Contracted Players
- Bul Kuol
- Jaylin Galloway
- Jason Spurgin (Development Player)
- Keli Leaupepe
- Kouat Noi
- Makuach Maluach
- Shaun Bruce
- Tyler Robertson
- Xavier Cooks
Incoming Players
- Kendric Davis (from Adelaide 36ers – Import)
- Matthew Dellavedova (from Melbourne United)
- Tim Soares (from Koshigaya Alphas – Japan – Import)
Departed Players
- Alex Toohey (to Golden State Warriors – NBA)
- Cameron Oliver
- Henry Lau (to University of Pittsburgh – NCAA)
- Izayah Le’afa (to New Zealand Breakers)
- Jaylen Adams (to Brisbane Bullets)
- Klairus Amir (to Campbell University – NCAA)
Sydney Kings History
The Sydney Kings were founded in 1988 through the merger of two Sydney based teams: the West Sydney Westars and the Sydney Supersonics. From the beginning, the Kings aimed to bring a new level of ambition and professionalism to the league. 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. While the early years were filled with growing pains, the team eventually found its stride in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
This culminated in a historic three-peat championship run in 2003, 2004, and 2005. That dominant era featured standout players such as Shane Heal, Chris Williams and Matthew Nielsen with coach Brian Goorjian at the helm, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NBL history.
Following their early 2000s dominance, the Kings faced a turbulent period both on and off the court. In 2008, the club was removed from the league due to financial issues, a blow that seemed to signal the end for the franchise. However, in 2010, the Kings were reinstated into the NBL under new management and began the long journey back to relevance. Despite several years of ups and downs, the team remained one of the league's most recognised brands thanks to its strong Sydney fanbase, high profile games at Qudos Bank Arena (Australia’s largest indoor venue), and a history rich with both success and drama.
In 2018, the franchise made international headlines by signing former NBA No.1 overall pick Andrew Bogut, a move that signalled their return to serious title contention. Bogut brought with him elite defensive presence, championship experience and widespread media attention. In his debut season, he was named both NBL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, helping lead the Kings back to the playoffs. He was surrounded by a talented group including Kevin Lisch, a former MVP and respected veteran leader, Casper Ware, a high scoring American guard, and Jae’Sean Tate who would later make his leap to the NBA.
The Kings’ resurgence peaked with back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023, led by head coach Chase Buford and a roster stacked with NBA level talent. Jaylen Adams the 2022 MVP, Xavier Cooks the 2023 MVP, and Derrick Walton Jr. played key roles in re-establishing the Kings as a dominant NBL force. Their up-tempo, exciting style of play attracted big crowds at Qudos Bank Arena and sparked renewed interest in the NBL across Sydney. Cooks, a versatile forward, would follow in Tate’s footsteps by securing an NBA contract in 2023 with the Washington Wizards, but only briefly and is now back with the Kings.
Beyond the court, the Kings are part of a growing basketball movement in Australia. Under majority owner Paul Smith, the franchise has invested heavily in youth development, marketing, and community outreach. The team regularly draws some of the highest attendances in the league and continues to be a destination club for both local talent and international imports. With a mix of championship history, modern ambition, and strong fan support, the Sydney Kings stand as one of the most storied and influential franchises in Australian basketball.
Five Fast Facts
- The Sydney Kings were the first team to threepeat in NBL history
- As of 2025, they’re one of just three NBL teams with at least five championships alongside Perth and Melbourne United
- Andrew Bogut and Luc Longley are both part owners and advisors for the Kings
- The Kings wear Purple and Gold to be linked to the winning ways of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers
- Current NBA players who were on the Kings are draftee Alex Toohey of the Warriors and Jae’Sean Tate who is the longest serving member of the Rockets
Club Timeline
- 1988: Sydney Kings founded through a merger of the West Sydney Westars and Sydney Supersonics
- 2003 - 2005: Make history with three consecutive NBL championships
- 2008: Club is removed from the NBL due to financial issues, missing the 2008 and 09 season
- 2010: Kings return to the NBL under new ownership, beginning a rebuilding era
- 2018: Sign former NBA No.1 pick Andrew Bogut, who wins MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
- 2022: End a 17 year title drought by winning the NBL championship under coach Chase Buford
- 2023: Go back-to-back for the first time since the early 2000s, cementing return to dominance
- 2024: Record breaking crowds pack Qudos Bank Arena, the largest venue in the NBL
With a proud past and a refreshed roster, the Sydney Kings head into NBL26 with hunger to reclaim their place at the top and win their third title of the decade. The team has embraced a shift toward balance and sharing the ball, signalling a more grounded but no less ambitious approach. Backed by a loyal fanbase, a massive home arena and an ownership group invested in the team’s success, the Kings will always be one of the league’s most compelling teams and never far from contention.
Whether this new look squad can deliver on its promise to regain the King’s crown and improve on last season is a question on everybody’s lips heading into NBL26.
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