Vivek Ranadivé Roasted Sacramento Kings Staff at Dinner

The owner criticized team performance during a recent meeting before the upcoming season.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in purple and silver moving dynamically, evoking the pressure of a professional sports season. — Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé addressed team performance at an October dinner following the organization's difficult 22-60 record during the 2025-26 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé reportedly roasted players and staff at a team dinner held in October. He utilized external media criticisms to highlight the organization's failures after a difficult season.

Why it matters

Ranadivé aimed to motivate his roster and front office by addressing their status as a media punch line. The team is looking to rebound after a disappointing 22-60 record during the 2025-26 campaign.

The Kings have made only 1 playoff appearance since Ranadivé purchased the team in 2013. The roster currently features No. 7 overall draft pick Darius Acuff Jr. following a season where the team managed only 22 wins.

The players

Vivek Ranadivé

He is the owner of the Sacramento Kings who purchased the franchise in 2013.

Darius Acuff Jr.

He is a professional basketball player and the No. 7 overall draft pick on the current Kings roster.

DeMar DeRozan

He is an veteran NBA player who was waived by the Kings during the 2026 offseason.

Domantas Sabonis

He is an NBA player for the Kings who is currently considered a trade candidate for the 2026-27 campaign.

Zach LaVine

He is an NBA player for the Kings who is expected to be a trade candidate during the 2026-27 campaign.

The details

During the dinner, Ranadivé explicitly detailed various ways in which personnel and management have been failing. The comments followed a series of off-season changes, including the team waiving DeMar DeRozan.

Vivek Ranadivé purchased the Sacramento Kings in 2013.
The Kings exited the playoffs in the first round in 2023.
The Kings finished with a 22-60 record in the 2025-2026 season.
A team dinner was held by Vivek Ranadivé in October 2026.
The Kings play their regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 21, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The recent internal criticism marks a significant escalation in pressure for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency since the 2023 NBA playoffs. This atmosphere sets a tense tone for the upcoming season as the team attempts to avoid further slide in the competitive Western Conference standings.

The team faces high stakes in their season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 21, 2026. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor trade rumors surrounding key players like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.

The takeaway

The team is clearly under immense pressure to improve its win-loss record following a dismal 2026 season. Players and staff will be closely watched by the owner and the media to see if this public roasting translates into on-court results.