Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in purple and black — when it comes to sports, Sacramento has no shortage of teams to support. Our city is home to some of the most loyal fans in the country — even sparking national interest with their latest tradition.
Whether you’re already a devoted Sac sports fan or you’re new to the area + interested in learning more about the City of Trees’ teams, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Sacramento sports.
🏀 Sacramento Kings (NBA) | Est. 1923 as the Rochester Seagrams
Although the team has been around for ~100 years, the Kings have gone by many names throughout their history. After more than 20 years as the Rochester Seagrams, the club would adopt the Rochester Royals moniker in 1945, before rebranding again to the Kings in 1972 following a move to Kansas City (the name change was an attempt to avoid confusion with the Kansas City Royals MLB team). The Kings would finally settle down in Sacramento before 1985-86 season tipped off.
Where they play: Golden 1 Center
- The Kings moved from their original home of ARCO Arena at the start of the 2016-2017 season.
- G1C is the first entirely solar-powered arena, and was the first indoor sports arena to receive the LEED Platinum designation for its environmentally-conscious design.
Mascot: Slamson the Lion
- According to his bio on NBA.com, Slamson was born in Tanzania and his favorite movie is “The Lion King.”
- Slamson is a 12-time winner of the NBA’s Most Valuable Cat Award.
Team colors: Purple, slate gray, black
- The Kings wore red and blue until 1994, when the team switched to their iconic purple — but almost ended up with the Cleveland Cavaliers burgundy and gold color scheme.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- 1951 NBA Championship
- NBA record for consecutive losing seasons (16)
- Longest active postseason drought in the history of North America’s four major sports (baseball, football, basketball, hockey)
⚾️ Sacramento River Cats (MiLB) | Est. 2000
The River Cats began as the affiliate team for the Oakland Athletics from 2000-2015, and have served the San Francisco Giants since. The River Cats led Minor League Baseball in crowd attendance 10 out of their first 11 season, including their first nine seasons in a row. Last year, the Kings owner Vivek Ranadive purchased a majority interest in the River Cats.
Where they play: Sutter Health Park
- Originally known as Raley Field from 2000-2019
- Also served as the home of the now-defunct UFL team the Sacramento Mountain Lions for the 2012 season.
- One seat in the park sits just 58 ft away from home plate
Mascot: Dinger
- Dinger has an incredible presence on social media and we’re here for it
Team colors: Black, brick red, gold
- The Defenders of the Diamond collaboration with Marvel features a special logo, uniforms, and fan merch inspired by legendary comic book company.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- Three Triple-A Championships (2007, 2008, 2019)
- Five Pacific Coast League Championships (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2019)
- 12 PCL North Divison titles (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2019)
⚽️ Sacramento Republic FC (USL) | Est. 2012
Since their debut in front of a crowd of 20,000+ fans, Republic fever has gripped the City of Trees. From their title run in their first season, to their Cinderella story in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, the Indomitable Club has given Sacramentans a lot to cheer for. Although a 2019 MLS bid seems to be halted for now, we’re still holding out hope the club soon gets the big time recognition it deserves.
Where they play: Heart Health Park
- Heart Health Park is located on the grounds of Cal Expo
- The club was so successful after its first season, ~3,800 seats were added to the stadium — which delayed the 2015 home opener
Mascot: Urbs and Indomita
- Urbs and Indomita are a duo of quails — the state bird of California.
- According to the club, Urbs faces forward to represent its “disrupting and visionary forward-thinking philosophy,” while Indomita looks backward “to the history and heritage of the beautiful game.”
Team colors: Old glory red, maple, egg shell
- During the 2022 season, the club also rolled out its “City of Trees” alternate uniforms, inspired by the slogan once painted across the water tower on Freeport Boulevard.
- Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
- 2014 USL Pro Championship
- 2022 US Open Cup Finalists (first non-MLS team to make the finals since 2008)
