KC looks to sports to grow its economy
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Kansas City's leaders want to turn one World Cup summer into a lasting economic strategy with a bigger CPKC Stadium, a bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup and a push to bring companies and people to town.
Why it matters: The World Cup gave KC a global stage. Local business and sports leaders now want to turn that burst of attention into long-term growth through sports investment, corporate recruitment and another international tournament.
Driving the news: A panel Friday at Back2KC, a nine-year-old homecoming conference for former Kansas Citians considering a return, explored what the World Cup did for the city and how KC can turn that spotlight into long-term growth.
By the numbers: More than 410,000 fans attended six World Cup matches at Arrowhead and another 400,000 came through Fan Fest, with nearly 180 countries represented, per KC2026, the local host committee.
The latest: The city agreed earlier this month to spend as much as $185 million in sales tax revenue on expanding the KC Current's home.
What they're saying: Neal Sharma, who helped lead the KC2026 host committee board, said the city set three goals: run the matches safely, raise KC's profile and leave a legacy.
- He described the World Cup as the launch after more than a decade of building momentum: "Our goal for all of us is to really focus on how to get to escape velocity," he said.
Zoom in: Panelist Mukul Sharma, a partner at Palmer Square, the investment firm whose owners also own the Current and helped develop CPKC Stadium, said the next phase, Current Landing, will grow the stadium from 11,000 seats to 18,000 and build a riverfront neighborhood around it.
- The Current has played three consecutive seasons of sold-out matches, he said. The City Council approved the city's share of the $1.4 billion project on a divided vote over cost and transit concerns.
The bet only works if fans keep showing up, and Jeremy McDowell, founder of the KC Diamonds, had the newest evidence.
- The pro softball team he launched this summer drew more fans in its first season than any other team in the league despite playing in one of its smallest markets, he said.
The other side of the pitch is companies. Jonathan Knecht, marketing chief at the Kansas City Area Development Council, said it hosted more than 40 site selection consultants, the people who decide where companies put headquarters, during the World Cup.
What's next: FIFA votes Nov. 23 on the U.S.-led bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup, the first test of whether KC's success this summer can last.