Plus, World Cup announcements in KC.
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Your guide to sports teams in Kansas City

Sporting KC field KCtoday
Did someone say For Glory? | Photo by KCtoday
Whether you’re a sports fanatic — or just look good in blue and teal — Kansas City has no shortage of teams to support.

Soccer is in full swing, and in this guide, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about KC’s pro teams. Whether you’re already a devoted Sporting KC fan or you’re following current trends, we hope this can serve as a valuable resource.

Sporting Kansas City (MLS) | Est. 1995

Sporting Kansas City’s history goes back 28 years. The club was originally known as the Kansas City Wizards (DYK the OG name was just Wiz?) before getting the name we know today in 2010.

Where they play: Children’s Mercy Park
Mascot: Blue the Dog
  • Blue the Dog is available for community appearances — find out more here.
Team colors: Sporting blue, dark indigo, and lead
  • The team’s primary logo features the Kansas-Missouri state line with “sporting blue” stripes on the Kansas side and an interlocking “SC” on the “Missouri” side.
  • Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
  • Sporting KC has four US Open Cup titles: 2017, 2015, 2012, and 2004.
  • Peter Vermes is the longest-tenured head coach in MLS history and the fourth-winningest coach in the league.
📅 Check out the team’s upcoming matches.

Kansas City Current (NWSL) | Est. 2020

You can just feel the hometown pride.

That looks like a winning team to us.

|

Photo by William Purnell, USA TODAY Sports via NWSL.

The National Women’s Soccer League announced an expansion franchise to KC in 2020, which branded as the Current a year later. The club is also building the first dedicated stadium for professional women’s sports in the world at Berkley Riverfront.

Where they play: Children’s Mercy Park
Team colors: Teal, Heartland red, and storm blue
  • The team crest features a river current (get it?) and two stars to represent Kansas and Missouri.
  • Shop for merch.
Major accomplishments:
  • The team made it to the NWSL championship game in only its second season.
  • Its state-of-the-art stadium is set to open in 2024, making history for women’s sports.
📅 Check out the team’s 2023 season.
5 more pro KC sports
Quiz

What is the most popular sport in the US (according to viewership and TV ratings)?


    A. Baseball
    B. Soccer
    C. Basketball
    D. Football
    Test your brain
     
    Events
    Friday, May 19
    • 2K23 Summer Bash Party | Friday, May 19 | 10 p.m. | Kansas City Power & Light District | Free | This beach-themed party downtown KC includes free cover until 10 p.m.
    Saturday, May 20
    • AAPICONIC | Saturday, May 20 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbus Square Park, Missouri Ave. + Holmes St., Kansas City, MO | $0 | This community event is hosted by Cafe Cà Phê and celebrates the Asian American and Pacific Islander community with music, vendors, and 1990s nostalgia.
    Sunday, May 21
    • Wedding Swap and Shop | Sunday, May 21 | 12-3 p.m. | Alexander Majors House and Barn, 8601 Stateline Rd., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Calling future and recently married couples — shop and sell wedding decor with professional vendors.
    • Cook for Courage on Vine | Sunday, May 21 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Vine Street Brewing Co., 2000 Vine St., Kansas City, MO | $150-$250 | See local chefs and breweries compete in a barbecue and brew cook-off to prepare the best smoked ribs and beer.
    Monday, May 22
    • The Aquadolls | Monday, May 22 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $12 | Jam out with this girl group, coined as mermaid rock and roll.
    Events calendar here
    Click here to have your event featured.
     
    News Notes
    Announced
    • The World Cup is three years away, but KC is making moves now. Meet KC2026, a new nonprofit overseeing strategy + infrastructure for KC’s global stage. The organization is made up of biz execs, civic leaders, and elected officials (see the Board of Directors).
    • It’s a big week for World Cup 2026 updates. The official logo was unveiled, showcasing the slogans “Welcome to Kansas City” and “We are 26.” Expect banners at Union Station and a new streetcar wrap. Stay updated on World Cup happenings here.
    Sports
    • Pro hockey? Kansas City was mentioned among four other cities as a potential relocation for the Arizona Coyotes. KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas also mentioned the NHL commissioner in a tweet earlier this week. The team would likely play at the T-Mobile Center. (FOX4)
    State
    • Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a $4 million state grant for the Rock Island Bridge — the largest source public funding for the project to date. What else is new? Wyandotte County plans to build a floating dock on the east bank for water craft. (CityScene KC)
    Kansas Citians
    • Two KC-native stars have announced their attendance for the Big Slick, including 2008 American Idol winner David Cook + actress Katherine McNamara. The annual cancer fundraising event will include hosts Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, and Heidi Gardner.
    Coming Soon
    • Campesino Mexican Grill and Cantina is coming to downtown Mission — at 5405 Johnson Dr. The owners, who also own El Maguey in Martin City, plan to open this summer. Menu items include mango tilapia and sopes. (Shawnee Mission Post)
    Finance
    • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Unlock your home equity.*
    Shop
    • Quick, who’s the next person you’ll buy a gift for? We’ve got 25 gift ideas that will spark joy + are perfect for every budget. One of our favorites? A heated back and neck massager to relieve pressure and tension.
    Biz

    🍦 Moo-ving on up

    Betty Rae’s Ice Cream bought by Matt Shatto of Shatto Milk Company

    Photo of BETTY RAE’S ICE CREAM mural
    “Betty Rae’s Ice Cream” is as vibrant as the flavors inside. | Photo by KCtoday
    Betty Rae’s Ice Cream has a new owner with goals to add more stores and increase distribution, according to an announcement from the company.

    Matt Shatto is the owner of food distribution company Shatto Home Deliverybasically, the milk man. He’s also the vice president of Shatto Milk Company, famous for flavors like Chiefs Kingdom (red velvet).

    According to the statement, Betty Rae’s will retain full employment (and keep all of its flavors).

    New ownership plans

    Matt plans to make the popular local ice cream available in metro grocery stories + restaurants. Plus, expect to see the Betty Rae’s Ice Cream truck at various corporate, family, and neighborhood events.

    Betty Rae’s is also celebrating the new ownership with the flavor Bee’s Knees, which is already in stores.

    Finally, get ready for the ice cream man. The truck will make pop-up appearances around town during the week of June 5 — announcements to come.
    The Wrap
     
    Photo of Travis Meier in Kansas City

    Today’s edition by:
    Travis

    From the editor
    Have you tried the Spanish Spritz cocktail at Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar? It’s made with a Spanish liquor called Atxa, a “fruit-forward and sweet liquor with a light undertone of anise.” I don’t know about all that, but I do know it was a delightful beverage I was able to enjoy on the patio with some neighbor friends and my dog, Ollie.
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