The Sports Informant

Things are changing up top with the Sacramento Kings. While things on the court continue to evolve, the Kings are focusing on management shifts as the season nears its end, moves that include a president’s resignation and a whole lot of movement everywhere else.

John Thomas, President of the Sacramento Kings, is resigning effective April 2, 2010, Maloof Sports & Entertainment announced yesterday.

Thomas is leaving for personal family reasons.

“We want to thank John for everything he has done for us since we came to Sacramento. He’s been an important leader on our team,” said Joe and Gavin Maloof, owners of the Kings.

“Ten years is longer than most NBA Presidents get to serve. I want to thank the Maloof family and my extended Kings family of co-workers and fans for the privilege. I’m very excited about the future,” Thomas said.

Thomas has 20 years of major league sports executive experience in basketball, baseball and hockey. He began his role with Maloof Sports & Entertainment in 1999. Prior to joining the Kings, he was an executive with the Houston Rockets and Comets.

Thomas has been an active member of the Sacramento community, serving on the Boards of Directors of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Sacramento Metro Chamber, as well as Valley Vision’s Leadership Council and the NBA’s Team Advisory Committee (TAC). 

The Kings also announced other changes to its management team effective immediately.

Joe Maloof will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Gavin Maloof as President of Maloof Sports & Entertainment.

Gavin, left, and Joe Maloof, right, will be taking on new roles with their Sacramento Kings organization. (Photo courtesy Greg Ashman)

Matina Kolokotronis has been named President of Business Operations of the Sacramento Kings, while Geoff Petrie will continue in his role as President of Basketball Operations.

Kevin S. Kaplan will continue to direct the Kings marketing and sales efforts as he has been for the past season and will continue as a senior adviser to the Maloof family.

John Rinehart will serve as Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Jason Levien will serve as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager.

“We are very excited about this new management structure and the strength it will lend our organization,” said a release by the Maloofs. “This allows us to continue to be more hands-on with the organization and provides us with this all-star management team’s tremendous depth and regional and global reach.

“This management team’s strong reputation within and knowledge of the Sacramento community as well as its ability to work in partnership with the NBA and other stakeholders and experts will allow our business and basketball operations to work together to better serve our customers and make the Sacramento Kings the best team possible.”

The Maloof Family bought the Sacramento Kings in 1998. For most of that time, the team has achieved great success as perennial playoff contenders that delighted a loyal, passionate fan base who would pack ARCO Arena to give the team a serious home court advantage. This new direction for the organization seeks to recapture those glory days and continue to build on the momentum generated this year by an exciting young team and an aggressive marketing and ticket campaign launched earlier this season. 

The Maloof family also owns and operates the Palms Casino and Resort; the Maloof Money Cup, the largest skateboard competition in the world; and Maloof Music and Publishing, an entertainment company.