The franchise that would become the Sacramento Kings initially played in Rochester, New York, as the Rochester Royals of the National Basketball League. The Royals got their nickname from Crown Royal whiskey. When the team was first established as a semi-pro team their main sponsor was the Rochester distributor for Crown Royal. After turning professional the team was known as the Rochester Pros. Upon entering the NBL the name was changed to Royals and the new nickname proved to be a natural winner because of its alliteration.

Success for the Royals was almost immediate. Founded in 1945 by owner/coach/general manager Les San Diego Chargers Harrison (Hall of Famer) and Indianapolis Colts Tickets his brother and co-owner/business manager Jack Harrison, the team won the NBL championship in 1946. In 1948, the Royals moved to the Basketball Association of America, which absorbed the NBL the following year to become the National Basketball Association. The Royals won the NBA title in 1951, the last championship in the team's history to date. Top players in this era included Arnie Risen, Florida Panthers Tickets Bob Davies Los Angeles Kings Tickets and Bobby Wanzer, all Hall of Famers.