Kansas City, Missouri, has been witnessing a remarkable surge in the momentum for professional women's basketball. Four years ago, Angie and Chris Long, the co-owners of the Kansas City Current, brought the NWSL back to this vibrant city. In an exclusive interview with KSHB 41 News, they revealed that they have been engaged in talks with the WNBA about expanding to Kansas City. As Chris Long pointed out, "Kansas City is undoubtedly an extraordinary sports town. The fanfare surrounding the Kansas City Current is evident, and the blueprint we have created with our facilities and approach to the game and sports business is truly remarkable. It would be a natural progression for us to bid for a WNBA franchise in this city."Conversations with the WNBA
The Longs have been in discussions with the WNBA for the past three years. Angie Long emphasized that it has always been a matter of great interest for them and their city. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, along with his wife Brittany, who also co-owns the Current, had previously confirmed these expansion talks. Mahomes firmly believed that bringing the WNBA to Kansas City was a "no-brainer." He stated, "Clearly, we aim to bring basketball to Kansas City in general. The success the WNBA has achieved in the last few seasons makes it a logical choice to have a WNBA team here." Chris Long acknowledged Mahomes' support on Thursday and said, "We will do our utmost and work as hard as possible. With great partners like Patrick and Brittany, we will wait and see how things unfold, but I am confident that Kansas City will be a great home for the WNBA."Support from the Kansas City Sports Commission
Kathy Nelson, the president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, has shown her support for WNBA expansion. She mentioned that the KC Sports Commission is actively involved in identifying potential ownership groups and has had conversations with the T-Mobile Center about the possibilities of WNBA basketball in that venue. This shows the collective effort and enthusiasm within the Kansas City sports community for the growth of women's basketball.Benefits of WNBA Expansion
The potential expansion of the WNBA to Kansas City brings numerous benefits. It not only provides more opportunities for female athletes to showcase their skills but also adds to the city's sports culture and fan base. With the success of the Kansas City Current in the NWSL, there is a solid foundation for the growth of the WNBA. It can attract more fans, boost local businesses, and create a more inclusive sports environment. As the Longs and others have emphasized, Kansas City is ready to embrace the WNBA with open arms and make it a significant part of the city's sports landscape.Future Prospects
The ongoing conversations and efforts towards WNBA expansion in Kansas City hold great promise for the future. It is a testament to the city's growing sports culture and the determination of various stakeholders to make women's basketball a prominent part of it. Whether it leads to the establishment of a WNBA franchise or further collaborations, the impact on Kansas City's sports scene is likely to be significant. The support from the community, along with the existing infrastructure and talent, sets the stage for a bright future for professional women's basketball in Kansas City.
