NWSL expansion team Kansas City debuts new name ahead of second season

NWSL expansion team Kansas City will commence their second season with a new identity after changing the team name to Kansas City Current.

The new title was announced at halftime of the team’s 3-0 home loss to Seattle Reign Saturday night. Administration admitted they chose the name after listening to hundreds of suggestions from fans.

“The feedback indicated that the name and crest needed to be authentically grounded in classic Kansas City while representing the forward momentum of a city on the rise. It also needed to reflect the elite level of play, power and determination of the players,” the club said in a statement.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his fianceé, Brittany Matthews, helped the team reveal the new name at halftime. Matthews is a club founder and owner who played college soccer at UT Tyler, and for one season professionally in Iceland.

The team also announced plans last week for a brand-new home stadium, the first NWSL specific stadium in league history. The team played its inaugural 2021 campaign at Legends Field, a baseball park in Kansas City, Kansas. 

The stadium, funded entirely by ownership, is expected to cost around $70 million, and will be built in the Berkley Riverfront area of Kansas City, Missouri. 

“From the beginning, our vision has been to create a player-first experience, and facilities for our team that match not only the elite level of these incredible athletes, but also the passionate support of the Kansas City metro and our fans,” KC NWSL Co-Founder and Co-Owner Chris Long said in a statement. “We believe this significant investment and commitment will shape a stronger future for our entire region and our athletes.”

The club also announced plans to build a $15 million training facility in Riverside, Missouri, in September. The team finished in last place in NWSL in 2021, their first season.