Women’s sports are worth the investment.
Just ask Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, former collegiate soccer player Brittany Mahomes. They co-own the Kansas City Current, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team in their second season. And a dominant second season, at that.
Historically, women’s soccer has been underfunded. But investments and growth in NWSL attendance and popularity have propelled a shift toward increased resources and attention on women’s soccer and sports.
Investments and Early Success
In March, the Current made history by winning the opening match of the NWSL regular season against the Portland Thorns. Not only did the victory kick start a successful regular season for the Current, but it also will be remembered for the excitement surrounding the opening of the CPKC Stadium – the first stadium built specifically for a women’s professional team in the world.
“I feel very confident that investment will pay off in more ways than one,” Patrick Mahomes said. We all need to keep investing in the women’s game with our attention, with our media and with our wallets…It’s the future.”
The Mahomes’ investments in the Current set the tone for others looking to invest in women’s sports. With the proper resources and funding, professional women’s teams can flourish and provide a great return on investment. “I want to give them those same resources, those same facilities,” Patrick Mahomes explained. “And you’ve seen it with the Current: Whenever you give them the best of the best, they go out and perform at an even higher level.”
Lo’eau LaBonta, a midfielder for the Current, reflected on the milestone for the team, the city, the league, and all of women’s sports. “I hope that when young girls see this stadium and think that when they get to this age, it’s going to be equal pay, they’re going to have their own locker room, their own stadium. That’s the goal.”
“I hope that when young girls see this stadium and think that when they get to this age, it’s going to be equal pay, they’re going to have their own locker room, their own stadium. That’s the goal.”
Kansas City Fans Witness History
After selling out every match at CPKC Stadium this year, the Current fans returned to support their team on Saturday, November 10. In the first playoff game at CPKC Stadium, the Current secured the win against the North Carolina Courage. Temwa Chawinga, the NWSL’s top scorer, returned after being out in the Current’s last game against the Chicago Red Stars due to injury. The Kansas City fans witnessed her match-winning goal in the Current’s 1-0 victory, and the energy in the Stadium was undeniable.
“You can hear the crowd. It's a great, resonant space. Everybody here is pumped. We're excited to be here,” Harper, a Kansas City Current fan, said regarding the playoff game. “I'm so excited to see women finally get a chance to shine, being athletic and being the athletes that they are.”
It’s Just the Beginning
Just two years ago, similar opportunities were limited in Kansas City. People like Brittany and Patrick Mahomes are helping to pave the way for the growth and advancement of women’s soccer, setting an example for others around the world. Their remarkable investment in the Current team, resources, and facilities marks a huge step toward shedding more light and VISibility to women athletes at the highest level of their sport.
“So here is a toast to the greatness that is women’s sports,” Patrick Mahomes said. “It’s been happening, and I’m glad the world is catching on.”
