It’s been almost one month since the Sacramento Kings’ last win. That in itself is a staggering fact.
Following a season-best four-game winning streak from January 11-16, the Kings have dropped 13 consecutive games, tying the Sacramento era (1985-present) record for the most consecutive losses.
During this 13-game losing streak, the Kings (12-43) have already surpassed last year’s loss total (42) and are firmly at the bottom of the NBA standings.
Looking back at some of the worst Sacramento Kings teams in recent memory, the 2008-09 team stands out–a team that went on to finish with a record of 17-65, the worst of any team since the franchise relocated to Northern California in the fall of 1985.
Of course, as we all know, that abysmal record didn’t land the Kings a first-overall pick, which became perennial All-Star forward Blake Griffin.
This year’s team is hoping to avoid a similar fate, with the upcoming NBA Draft featuring a stacked crop of talent, although picks one through four arguably have the talent Sacramento is seeking (Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson).
The Kings have yet to play one game this season with all of its planned starting five active at the same time, with Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach LaVine all missing time due to injury.
Injuries, poor roster construction, and at times, just being completely overmatched by opponents have all stacked up against Sacramento this season, but this 13-game losing streak is nearly unprecedented.
Here’s where this Kings’ losing streak stands among the worst in the franchise’s history, dating back to the team’s founding in 1923.
Longest Sacramento Kings Losing Streaks
1971-72 Cincinnati Royals – 14 games
There have been two 14-game losing streaks in the Kings franchise history, and this is the most recent.
Hall of Fame guard Bob Cousy was the head coach of a Cincinnati team that lost 14 consecutive games from December 1971 through January 1972.
Although the Royals dropped 14 straight games, they finished the season with a record of 30-52. For reference, the 2025-26 Sacramento Kings are on pace to finsih 18-64.
It took three years for the Royals to return to the playoffs, as they posted a 44-38 record during the 1974-75 season and reached the first round.
1959-60 Cincinnati Royals – 14 games
Tied with the 1971-72 team for the longest losing streak in Kings franchise history are the 1959-60 Cincinnati Royals.
This marked the second-straight year the Royals finished a season with 19 wins, and it took the franchise just one more down year to reach the postseason (1961-62).
2025-26 Sacramento Kings – 13 games (and counting)
We have reached the present.
Out of 78 total seasons for the Kings’ franchise, this is where Sacramento stands on the all-time losing streak list. With a loss on Wednesday in Utah, they would tie the two previous Royals teams for the franchise record.
1990-91 Sacramento Kings (13 games)
The other 13-game losing streak during the Sacramento era actually spanned two seasons.
After ending the 1989-90 season with six-straight defeats, the Kings opened the 1990-91 season with seven consecutive losses.
It took Sacramento until the 1995-96 season to get back into the NBA Playoffs, where they dropped the first-round ‘Rattle Seattle’ series to the SuperSonics in four games.
What Can We Make Of This?
Well, the main takeaway is that it’s going to take some time before the Kings see light at the end of the tunnel.
First-year general manager Scott Perry is going to be patient as he overhauls this roster and attempts to build a sustainable winner–but that’s going to take some time.
Getting a top-four selection in this summer’s NBA Draft would be a start. Continuing to develop young players like Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell is another priority. Obtaining draft capital or young players is another area Sacramento can prioritize as it looks towards the future.
Even if Sacramento avoids tying the franchise record of 14-straight losses (or avoids setting a new mark of 15 or more games), the Kings are on a one-way trip to a high lottery pick.
Will it make a difference in turning things around? For the sake of every fan who has endured this lengthy losing streak, one can only hope this marks the lowest dip on the rollercoaster—before the climb finally begins.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will play their final game before the All-Star break on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz.
With a loss, Sacramento would tie the 1971-72 Cincinnati Royals for a franchise-record 14th consecutive loss.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 6:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown Salt Lake City.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Wednesday, February 11th – @ Utah Jazz – 6:00 PM PT
Thursday, February 19th vs. Orlando Magic – 7:00 PM PT
Saturday, February 21st @ San Antonio Spurs – 5:00 PM PT
Monday, February 23rd @ Memphis Grizzlies – 5:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 25th – @ Houston Rockets – 5:00 PM PT
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