Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, are actively pursuing the establishment of a WNBA expansion franchise in Kansas City. Their commitment to bringing basketball to the city stems from a belief in the area’s robust sports culture and fan engagement. Mahomes emphasized the city’s historical support for teams like the University of Kansas basketball and the Chiefs, suggesting that a WNBA team would thrive in this environment. “The city of Kansas City is going to come out and they’re going to fill the stadium,” he stated, highlighting the potential for a strong fanbase.
Mahomes’s involvement in sports ownership is already noteworthy. He holds minority stakes in several local franchises, including the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, MLB’s Kansas City Royals, and MLS’s Sporting Kansas City. His expanding portfolio suggests a strategic vision for enhancing Kansas City’s sports scene, making a WNBA team a natural next step. The success of the WNBA in recent seasons, coupled with record attendance and viewership, reinforces the idea that a franchise in Kansas City could be financially beneficial and culturally significant.
The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity, evidenced by its new media rights deal worth approximately $200 million annually. This indicates a booming interest in women’s sports, further substantiated by the league’s attendance and viewership records set in 2024. The timing seems right for expansion, especially as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed intentions to grow the league to 16 teams by 2028, with several candidates already in consideration. With the Golden State Valkyries set to debut in 2025 and new teams in Toronto and Portland scheduled for 2026, the landscape for potential franchises is becoming increasingly competitive.
Despite the challenges of establishing a new team, Mahomes and Brittany are not alone in their efforts. Various groups across the country are vying for WNBA franchises, creating a crowded field of contenders. However, Mahomes’s local ties and influence in Kansas City could play a significant role in their campaign. His status as a sports icon not only amplifies the visibility of the initiative but also lends credibility to the proposal.
A WNBA franchise in Kansas City would also fill a gap in the region’s sports offerings. While the city is well-known for its football and baseball teams, the introduction of a women’s basketball team would diversify the local sports landscape. It would provide a platform for female athletes and contribute to the growing narrative of women’s sports being taken seriously at all levels.
Brittany Mahomes has also been vocal about the importance of supporting women’s sports, aligning with her husband’s ambitions. Their combined efforts could bring about a new era for Kansas City, one where women’s sports are celebrated alongside their male counterparts. The Mahomes couple’s dedication to this cause underscores a broader movement advocating for equal recognition and opportunities in athletics.
The push for a WNBA expansion team in Kansas City reflects a convergence of passion, opportunity, and community support. With Patrick and Brittany Mahomes leading the charge, the vision of a new franchise may soon become a reality, enriching the city’s sports culture and offering fans a new team to rally around. The Mahomes’ influence and the WNBA’s growth trajectory could potentially make this endeavor a success, resonating deeply with Kansas City’s dedicated sports fans.
