For nearly a decade, Sacramento lived under the shadow of losing the one thing that truly belonged to them: the Kings. Long before the Beam lit up the skyline or potential new franchise superstars brought new energy to California’s capital, the franchise stood on the brink of disappearing forever. And in 2013, that looming threat reached its boiling point.

For The Throne tells the sweeping, emotional, and deeply human story of how the Sacramento Kings — once a perennial underdog in the NBA’s smallest market — were saved through a powerful combination of civic pride, political chess, and unbreakable fan devotion.

Host Callan McClurg takes listeners inside the tense, dramatic, and often chaotic fight to keep the team in Sacramento. It’s a tale that spans decades: from the Kings’ arrival in 1985 and the early years of underdog charm, through the unforgettable cowbell-fueled golden era of Webber, Bibby, and Divac, and into the slow unraveling of trust as ownership faltered and relocation rumors swirled. Cities lined up to take what Sacramento loved most — Anaheim, Seattle, even Virginia Beach. Hope was slipping.

Then came a surprising figure who would change the city’s trajectory: former NBA All-Star turned mayor Kevin Johnson. Armed with relentless determination, political savvy, and an unwavering belief that Sacramento deserved its seat at the NBA’s table, Johnson launched a full-scale campaign to save the franchise. He built coalitions, challenged billionaires, confronted the league, and inspired a grassroots movement — “Here We Stay” — that transformed everyday fans into a powerful force of civic resistance.

McClurg dives deep into backroom dealings, messy politics, ownership drama, and the emotional toll the battle took on the people who refused to let their city be erased. He recounts the tense meetings, the eleventh-hour proposals, and the historic NBA vote that stunned the sports world: 22–8 in favor of Sacramento. A decision that didn’t just keep a franchise alive — it redefined what small markets are capable of when they fight with everything they have.

But For The Throne doesn’t end with victory. This episode also grapples with the complicated legacy that followed. Arena deals sparked debate, political careers rose and fell, and the city was forced to confront the cost — not just the triumph — of its salvation. Through it all, Sacramento emerged with something no relocation threat could ever take away: identity.

This is the story of a franchise saved not by money or market size, but by willpower, heart, and a belief that communities like Sacramento deserve their place in the sports world. It’s a story about defying the odds, rewriting narratives, and proving that sometimes, the smallest markets make the loudest noise.

For The Throne is a powerful reminder that sports are more than scores or standings — they’re the soul of a city. And in Sacramento, that soul refused to be sold.

⚠️ Note on Partnerships: This podcast was previously sponsored and powered by the Novig Sports Prediction Market. Please be advised that the partnership with Novig has expired due to the company ceasing operations in California and New York.

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