Rockford Lightning

The Rockford Lightning was a basketball team that played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). They were based in Rockford, Illinois.

Rockford Lightning
Leagues	IBL 2000–2001 CBA 1979–2000 & 2001–2006
Founded	1978
Folded	2006
History	Lancaster Red Roses 1978–1980 Philadelphia Kings 1980–1981 Lancaster Lightning 1981–1985 Baltimore Lightning 1985–1986 Rockford Lightning 1986–2006
Arena	Rockford MetroCentre
Championships	none
Home Away

History

The Lightning were the oldest team in the CBA, originally existing as the Lancaster Red Roses from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That team changed their name to the Lancaster Lightning, then the franchise moved to Baltimore for a year before relocating in Rockford. Their home arena was the MetroCentre.

They were the runners-up in the 2001-02 and 2004-05 CBA seasons, losing a winner-take-all championship game to the Dakota Wizards 116–109 in 2002, and a best-of-5 series to the Sioux Falls Skyforce 3–1 in 2005.

On January 20, 2006, the team's owner announced that the Lightning would cease operations after the season unless other investors purchased the team and continued its operations. An attempt was made to constitute a new local ownership group, but it was unsuccessful, and the team folded. The Lightning's main rival was the Quad City Thunder.

NBA call-ups

• Bruce Bowen (1995-97) - Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs
• Sam Mack - Vancouver Grizzlies
• Gerald Madkins Golden State Warriors
• Earl Boykins (1998-99)
• Matt Steigenga
• Linton Johnson
• Darrell Walker (coach)
• Mike James
• Larry Sykes
• Desmond Ferguson
• Howard Eisley
• Ken Bannister
• Kornél Dávid

Ralph Sampson also would play for the Rockford Lightning in the Continental Basketball Association during the 1994–95 season before ultimately retiring for good.