Sep 24, 2026 - News

Des Moines has two soccer suitors

Jason Clayworth

Smiling middle-aged woman with short brown hair and black-framed glasses, wearing a light gray tweed blazer over a black top, against a dark gray background. — Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen. Photo: Courtesy of the city of DSM

"The city of Des Moines owes it to our residents, our partners with Polk County and across our metro area to explore all possible opportunities to bring regional economic vitality and excitement to Central Iowa." — Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen in a statement to Axios yesterday.

Context: Des Moines officials are now exploring an MLS NEXT Pro option with a team affiliated with Sporting Kansas City to bring professional soccer downtown, the Register reports.

Friction point: The city ended seven years of negotiations last month with Krause+ over a development district surrounding the planned $95 million soccer stadium at the former Dico site.

That raises questions about the future of a larger $500 million investment plan proposed by Krause, including hotels and the Butler Building where the Gas Lamp was previously located.

Yes, but: The city's separate stadium agreements with the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation — whose board includes Kyle Krause — remain active, and the nonprofit continues its effort to bring USL soccer to Des Moines.

Between the lines: Des Moines now has two different professional-soccer options in play.

Meanwhile, the stadium remains alive on paper, but when — or whether — construction will begin remains uncertain.

What's next: ISDF will host USL CEO Paul McDonough at 4pm today as the city separately evaluates the MLS NEXT Pro proposal.

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Des Moines has two soccer suitors

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