The Kings at 60: From 4,000 empty seats to a $3.33-billion NHL franchise

The Los Angeles Kings celebrate their 60th anniversary season, marking an evolution from an unheralded franchise playing in front of thousands of empty seats into a modern $3.33-billion NHL organization. As the franchise opened its home schedule against the Florida Panthers, long-time figures like Alan Rothenberg reflected on the massive financial and cultural growth of hockey in Southern California.

Now operating in a major market at Crypto.com Arena, the Kings have navigated decades of transition, coaching shifts, and roster rebuilds. Despite a tight 2-1 defeat to Florida in their milestone home opener under head coach Peter Laviolette, the club remains an established commercial powerhouse in the NHL.