Kings minority owner Joe Benvenuti dies | News

SACRAMENTO - Longtime developer and Sacramento Kings minority owner Joe Benvenuti died on Wednesday at the age of 91.

Benvenuti was part of the original group of owners to make Sacramento an NBA town, helping to lure the Kansas City Kings to the Capitol City in 1985. He eventually sold the majority of his ownership, but kept a 15 percent minority share in the franchise.

In 1999, Benvenuti remained a minority owner of the Kings after Maloof family bought a controlling share of the franchise.

He was also responsible in building the Renaissance Tower and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Sacramento

Wednesday night, the Maloof family released this statement:

"Speaking on behalf of our entire organization, we want to express how deeply saddened we were to hear of Joe's passing. He was a vital member of the Sacramento Kings family and a pillar in the community for more than 60 years.

"His vision, entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy combined to serve an integral role in bringing the Kings to Northern California in 1985. He will be greatly missed and forever hold an endearing place in the hearts and minds of those who have had the fortune of knowing him.

"Joe's contributions to the Kings over the team's 27 seasons in Sacramento cannot be overstated."

By Ryan Yamamoto, RYamamoto@News10.net