In a city known for its passionate sports fans and successful franchises, one superstar athlete is looking to add another team to the mix. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, already a part-owner of the NWSL’s KC Current, has his sights set on bringing a WNBA team to the Heart of America.
Mahomes: WNBA in KC a “No-Brainer”
Speaking to reporters, Mahomes expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, calling it the next logical step for the ownership group behind the Current. “We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA,” he said. “The success that they’ve had this last season and these last few seasons, it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
The young quarterback, who has quickly become one of the faces of the NFL, believes that Kansas City’s sports-loving community would embrace a WNBA franchise with open arms. “To try to get a WNBA team in Kansas City to this fan base — you see it if you talk about University of Kansas basketball, the Chiefs or whatever it is — the city of Kansas City is going to come out and they’re going to fill the stadium,” he predicted.
Building on the Current’s Success
Mahomes pointed to the Kansas City Current’s recent achievements as evidence of the city’s appetite for women’s sports. “It was cool that we were able to get this soccer team, this women’s soccer team here in the Current and they’re going into the playoffs now and you see the support that they have,” he noted. “So let’s try to get a WNBA team in here as well (with) that same ownership group. They’ve done the Current the right way and I want to continue to work with them to take that next step and get a WNBA team here.”
“The city of Kansas City is going to come out and they’re going to fill the stadium.”
Patrick Mahomes on the potential for a WNBA team in KC
A Growing Sports Empire
The 2018 NFL MVP’s interest in bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City is just the latest example of his growing sports ownership portfolio. In addition to his stake in the Current, Mahomes also owns a piece of the Kansas City Royals (MLB) and Sporting Kansas City (MLS).
“Kansas City is such a great place for me,” Mahomes explained. “It’s a place that I call home. It’s a place that I built a house at and that I’ll be for a long, long time. I think being involved in the community as much as possible (is important) and I love sports. I know how much the city loves sports and so let’s bring as many sports in here and showcase how great Kansas City is not only as a city, but the people that are in the city as well.”
The Road Ahead
Despite Mahomes’ enthusiasm, bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City won’t be a simple process. “We feel like Kansas City is a great place to continue that growth,” he acknowledged, “but we have to battle with other cities to prove why we can sustain and have a great franchise here.”
The WNBA, which currently features 12 teams, has not announced any concrete expansion plans. However, commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed interest in growing the league, citing the depth of talent in women’s basketball and the increasing popularity of the sport.
Investing in Women’s Sports
For Mahomes, the push to bring a WNBA team to Kansas City is about more than just his love of sports. It’s also a way to invest in the future of women’s athletics and set an example for his daughter.
“I just know how much sports has given to me. Whenever I’m done playing football — whenever that is — and I have to venture off into life after football and chasing kids around and everything like that, I want to be able to still be a part of it.”
Patrick Mahomes on his dedication to sports ownership
Mahomes also emphasized the importance of providing female athletes with the same resources and facilities as their male counterparts. “I want to give them those same resources, those same facilities,” he said. “I want to continue to work in women’s sports as long as I can.”
A Promising Future
While the road to bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City may be long, Patrick Mahomes’ commitment to the cause is a significant step in the right direction. With his star power, business acumen, and genuine passion for women’s sports, the Chiefs quarterback is well-positioned to make his vision a reality.
As the WNBA continues to grow and expand, cities like Kansas City will undoubtedly be at the forefront of the conversation. And with advocates like Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, the future of women’s basketball in the Heart of America looks brighter than ever.
