The “KK Cup,” named in honor of Kota Kinabalu(Jesselton), can be traced back to 1954 during the British colonial era of North Borneo. The 4th and 5th editions were even held in Keningau (1957) and Tenom (1958), respectively. It was not until the establishment of the Kota Kinabalu Amateur Basketball Association in 1959 that the 6th edition was transformed into a true statewide tournament. However, following the formation of the Sabah Basketball Association and the introduction of the “Sabah Cup,” the KK Cup was eventually superseded.

The “KKBA Cup” (Kota Kinabalu Basketball Association Cup) began in the 1960s. Today, the tournament does not specify an edition number because it has been suspended multiple times throughout its history. Currently, it serves as the primary selection trial for the KKBA to recruit Division A players in preparation for the Sabah Cup.

Age Requirements: Historically focused on adult players (18+), the tournament has adapted to the trend of younger talent. It is now open to youth players, with a current minimum age requirement of 16.

Strategic Timing: In recent years, the KKBA has typically held the event in March to select the Kota Kinabalu district’s Division A representatives for the Borneo Cup and the Sabah Cup, maintaining its status as one of the most watched selection trials in the region.

Player Restrictions: As of 2015, regulations stipulated that men’s teams are limited to a maximum of three district or state-level players, while women’s teams are limited to five.

The KKBA Cup was suspended twice: first from 2001 to 2002, and again from 2007 to 2009. Notable competitive records include:

Men’s Division: Marlin X is the only team to achieve a “three-peat” (three consecutive championships). Aisat and Ban Hing Lung have also secured three titles each.

Women’s Division: Both Best Company and Ji Gong Tan have established illustrious records by winning three consecutive championships.

In 2017, with sponsorship from former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai, the tournament was officially renamed the Unity Cup, marking its inaugural season under that title.

Following the pandemic, the KKBA suspended the event for three years before resuming in 2022. By 2024, through the sponsorship of prominent local businessman Datuk Simon Chee, the tournament was renamed once again to the “KKBA / Datuk Simon Chee Cup.”