Arena debut: Kansas City leading the way in the evolution of female professional football
In the world of women's soccer, the Kansas City Current (CPKC) has been making waves, thanks to the visionary leadership of co-owners Angie Long and Chris Long. The duo's investment in the team, both in terms of talent and infrastructure, has propelled the Current to new heights, setting them apart in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
One of the most significant developments under the Longs' ownership has been the construction of their own stadium, CPKC Stadium. This pioneering move, as the first stadium worldwide built specifically for a professional women's sports franchise, has been a game-changer for the team. The stadium, which opened in March 2024, boasts 12 luxury boxes and approximately 1,300 premium seats, and has already proven to be a hit with fans. The home team's inaugural match at CPKC Stadium saw a full house, with a thrilling 5-4 victory over "Portland Thorns."
The stadium has not only transformed the fan experience but also increased the team's revenue potential. By having better control over matchday earnings, sponsorship, and fan engagement, CPKC Stadium has contributed significantly to the team's success. In fact, the Current generated a record-breaking $36 million in revenue in 2024, making them the highest-earning team in the NWSL, four times the league median.
The Longs' commitment to growth is evident in their strategic investment in infrastructure. A joint study by Klutch Sports Group and Royal Bank of Canada found that selling the venue and surrounding area as a single package could increase contract prices for naming rights by 58%. This ongoing mixed-use development around CPKC could accelerate growth, further boosting the team's revenue streams.
The team's operational success is also due to the hiring of high-profile coach Vlatko Andonovski, whose expertise is expected to keep the team competitive and attractive to global talent. The Longs' belief in the growth of the team is evident, as they predict revenue of $45 million by 2025.
Other NWSL franchises are following suit, with the "Denver" team announcing plans to build a 14,500-seat stadium in the city. The Current's success story serves as a blueprint for other teams, demonstrating the value of ownership commitment and strategic investment in infrastructure.
In conclusion, the ownership of the Kansas City Current under Angie and Chris Long has been instrumental in the team's rise to the top of the NWSL. Their investment in talent, infrastructure, and fan experience has not only elevated the team's revenue opportunities but also solidified their position as a top-tier women's soccer club. As the team continues to break records and attract fans, it's clear that the growth is just beginning for the Kansas City Current.
The Kansas City Current's construction of CPKC Stadium, a stadium built specifically for a professional women's sports franchise, has boosted their revenue potential through better control over matchday earnings, sponsorship, and fan engagement. This strategic investment in infrastructure, driven by co-owners Angie and Chris Long, has made the Current the highest-earning team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and serves as a blueprint for other NWSL franchises looking to emulate their success. The Longs' venture into sports ownership exemplifies their visionary approach to entrepreneurship and business, extending beyond football to other sectors such as finance and development.
