sporting Kansas City

The Kansas City MLS franchise was founded by Lamar Hunt, who was also the founder of the American Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs, the United Soccer Association (which merged with the NPSL to form the North American Soccer League or NASL), and Major League Soccer. The Kansas City Wiz played their first game on April 13, 1996, defeating the Colorado Rapids at Arrowhead Stadium with a score of 3–0.{{cite web|title=Matchcenter|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/1996-04-13-kansas-city-wizards-vs-colorado-rapids|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001175008/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/1996-04-13-kansas-city-wizards-vs-colorado-rapids|archive-date=October 1, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Schedule|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule?month=all&year=1996&club=13&competition_type=all&broadcast_type=all&op=Search&form_id=mls_schedule_form|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001175001/http://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule?month=all&year=1996&club=13&competition_type=all&broadcast_type=all&op=Search&form_id=mls_schedule_form|archive-date=October 1, 2015}} The Wiz players included Preki, Mo Johnston, and Digital Takawira, and were coached by Ron Newman. The team finished third in the Western Conference (fifth overall) in 1996 regular season with a 17–15 record, qualifying for the first ever MLS Playoffs. In the 1996 conference semi-finals, the Wiz beat the Dallas Burn in three games, won the final game in a shootout, and lost the conference final to the LA Galaxy.

Following the 1996 season, the Wiz changed names, becoming the "Wizards", following legal action from the now defunct electronics retailer The Wiz.{{cite web |last1=West |first1=Phil |title=How Sporting Kansas City got their name |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/08/09/how-sporting-kansas-city-got-their-name |website=MLSSoccer.com |publisher=Soccer United Marketing, LLC |access-date=December 11, 2018 |date=August 9, 2017 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214070141/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/08/09/how-sporting-kansas-city-got-their-name |url-status=live }} For the 1997 MLS season, their record was 21–11, sufficient for the Western Conference regular season championship. Preki was named 1997 MLS MVP.{{cite web |title=SoccerAmerica – MLS: Preki Named 2003 MVP |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/article/5284/mls-preki-named-2003-mvp.html |website=www.socceramerica.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611110157/http://www.socceramerica.com/article/5284/mls-preki-named-2003-mvp.html |date=November 21, 2003 |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2017 }} In the first round of the playoffs, the Wizards lost to the last-seeded Colorado Rapids. The Wizards had losing records for the 1998 and 1999 seasons, finishing last in the Western Conference both years. The Wizards fired Ron Newman early during the 1999 season,{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Michael |title=So You Wanna Be An MLS Coach {{!}} US Soccer Players|url=http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/2010/09/so-you-wanna-be-an-mls-coach.html|date=September 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130922003743/http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/2010/09/so-you-wanna-be-an-mls-coach.html |archive-date=September 22, 2013}} and replaced him with Bob Gansler. The Wizards finished the 1999 season with a record of 8–24, which put them in last place in the Western Conference once again.

In 2000, their first full season under Bob Gansler, the Wizards opened the season on a 12-game unbeaten streak. Goalkeeper Tony Meola recorded an MLS record shutout streak at 681 minutes and 16 shutouts, and won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS MVP.{{cite web|last1=Austin|first1=Kurt|title=Sporting Legends unveiled to honor club icons|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2013/08/02/sporting-legends-unveiled-honor-club-icons|website=Sporting Kansas City|date=August 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011175151/http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2013/08/02/sporting-legends-unveiled-honor-club-icons|archive-date=October 11, 2016|access-date=July 22, 2017}} Peter Vermes was named 2000 MLS Defender of the Year. The Wizards finished the 2000 regular season 16–7–9, the best record in the league, winning the MLS Supporters' Shield.

In the 2000 playoffs, fell behind 4 to 1 to the LA Galaxy, but Miklos Molnar scored a penalty kick in game three to send the series into a tiebreaker, where he scored again to send the Wizards to their first MLS Cup. At RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., the Wizards, with the league's best defense, faced the team with the league's best offense, the Chicago Fire. The Wizards took the lead on an 11th-minute goal by Miklos Molnar. The Fire put ten shots on goal, but Tony Meola and the defense held, and the Wizards claimed their first MLS Cup Championship. Tony Meola was named 2000 MLS Cup MVP.

After the loss of Preki to the Miami Fusion, the team struggled to defend their championship in 2001, making the playoffs as the 8th seed with a record of 11–13–3. In the first round, the Wizards reign as champion ended with a 6 points to 3 loss to Preki and the Miami Fusion. Despite getting back Preki, the Wizards sat in last place in the Western Conference in 2002. They made the playoffs with a record of 9–10–9. The last two teams in the East, the MetroStars and D.C. United missed the playoffs, which propelled the Wizards into the playoffs. In the first round, the team would fall, 6 points to 3 to eventual champions, Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Wizards returned to the top half of the West in 2003 with a record of 11–10–9. In the first round of the playoffs, the Wizards defeated the Colorado Rapids in the aggregate goal series, 3–1. That set up a one-game showdown with the San Jose Earthquakes the winner would advance to the 2003 MLS Cup. The Wizards took the lead, but the Earthquakes battled back and forced golden goal in overtime by Landon Donovan in the 117th minute, which sent his team to the 2003 MLS Cup and the Wizards home.

The Wizards started 2004 mediocre, and improved mid-year. The Wizards finished the season on a six-game unbeaten streak to finish 14–9–9 for the Western Conference regular season championship. Goalkeeper Tony Meola went down with injury and backup Bo Oshoniyi filled as a replacement.{{cite web|last1=Carlisle|first1=Jeff|title=Major League Soccer – ESPN FC|url=http://espnfc.com/columns/story?id=327641&root=mls&cc=5901|publisher=ESPN FC|date=September 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926031811/http://espnfc.com/columns/story?id=327641&root=mls&cc=5901|archive-date=September 26, 2013}}

File:JimmyConrad 2006 MLS Cup.jpg played with Kansas City from 2003 to 2010.]]

In the first round of the 2004 playoffs, the Wizards lost the first game to San Jose Earthquakes, 2–0. In the second game, however, the Wizards scored 2 goals before Jack Jewsbury scored in stoppage time to move KC onto the conference final. In the conference final, the Wizards held off the Los Angeles Galaxy to reach their second MLS Cup. In the 2004 MLS Cup final, the Wizards went up against D.C. United at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The Wizards Jose Burciaga scored in the sixth minute, but D.C. United replied with three goals in the first half. KC was given a lifeline in the 58th minute as Josh Wolff scored the first penalty kick in MLS Cup history,{{cite web|title=MLS Cup 2004 {{!}} MLSsoccer.com|url=http://m.mlssoccer.com/history/mlscup/2004|date=September 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927060924/http://m.mlssoccer.com/history/mlscup/2004|archive-date=September 27, 2013}} but KC lost the 2004 MLS Cup final 3–2.

Following MLS expansion, the Wizards moved to the Eastern Conference in 2005. By the end of the 2005 season, despite the solid play of 2005 MLS Defender of the Year Jimmy Conrad, the Wizards found themselves outside the playoffs with a record of 11–9–12. After the season, the team's veteran leader, Preki announced his retirement.

In the 2006 season, the Wizards just missed out on a playoff berth with a loss to the New York Red Bulls on the final day of the regular season, finishing with a 10–14–8 record. Lamar Hunt sold the club in August 2006 to OnGoal, LLC, a six-man ownership group led by Cerner Corporation co-founders Neal Patterson and Cliff Illig, a local group committed to keeping the Wizards in Kansas City.

The club dedicated its 2007 season to Lamar Hunt, who had died in December 2006. A good start earned them four wins in the first seven weeks of the season. The club picked up goalkeeper Kevin Hartman from the LA Galaxy to help with that position. Despite winning just four games after the All-Star break, Kansas City managed to finish fifth in the East at 11–12–7 and qualify for the playoffs. The club shifted over to the West as a result of a playoff format change, the Wizards played against Chivas USA. With the Wizards Davy Arnaud's goal in the first game to win the series, the defense and Kevin Hartman did the rest and kept Chivas USA off the scoreboard. In the conference final, the Wizards came up short to the Houston Dynamo, 2–0.

In 2008, the Wizards played their home games at CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas, and ended a four-year playoff drought by posting an 11–10–9 record, good enough for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Facing the Columbus Crew, the Wizards earned a 1–1 tie in Game 1 of the first round series, but with a 2–0 loss in Game 2 the Wizards lost the aggregate series 3–1.

In the 2009 season, the Wizards remained at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, but struggled to score. They went 426 minutes without scoring a goal,{{cite web|title=Kansas City finds the goal!|url=http://www.socceramerica.com/article/34028/kansas-city-finds-the-goal.html|website=Soccer America|date=September 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927063328/http://www.socceramerica.com/article/34028/kansas-city-finds-the-goal.html|archive-date=September 27, 2013}} the longest streak of the season. In August 2009, with the team holding a 5–7–6 record, KC fired Head Coach Curt Onalfo,{{cite web|title=Onalfo out as Kansas City head coach|url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/2009/08/onalfo-out-as-kansas-city-head-coach.html|website=SBI Soccer|date=August 3, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924103152/http://www.soccerbyives.net/2009/08/onalfo-out-as-kansas-city-head-coach.html|archive-date=September 24, 2015}} and named general manager Peter Vermes the head coach. The Wizards finished with the worst home record in the league,{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Mark|title=SKC is more than A-OK|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/young_mark/id/7836431/the-sporting-life-kansas-city-mark-young|website=ESPN.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926104621/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/young_mark/id/7836431/the-sporting-life-kansas-city-mark-young|archive-date=September 26, 2013}} and at 8–13–9 were third to last in the league standings. Top players were Claudio López (8 goals & 7 assists) and Josh Wolff (11 goals), who sparked the Wizards offense.

File:25 July 2010 Kansas City Wizards vs Manchester United friendly.jpg in July 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium. This match was considered a turning point in the franchise's history,{{cite web |last=Kovzan |first=Sam |date=December 25, 2019 |title=Top 20 Moments of the Decade #7: Beating Manchester United at Arrowhead Stadium |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/news/top-20-moments-decade-7-beating-manchester-united-arrowhead-stadium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210031555/https://www.sportingkc.com/news/top-20-moments-decade-7-beating-manchester-united-arrowhead-stadium |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |website=SportingKC.com |language=en}} as their attendance would rapidly grow once the Sporting KC rebrand was announced, and upon the opening of their own stadium the following year.]]

The Wizards hosted Manchester United F.C. in a friendly on July 25, 2010, and won the match by a score of 2–1. The announced attendance of 52,342 was a record for a professional soccer match in the Kansas City area{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5409407/wizards-beat-manchester-united-front-record-crowd|title=Record crowd watches Man U in KC|publisher=Associated Press|website=ESPN.com|date=July 25, 2010|access-date=February 9, 2022|language=en|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210024642/http://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5409407/wizards-beat-manchester-united-front-record-crowd|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Kovzan |first=Sam |date=July 25, 2020 |title=Ten years ago today: Kansas City topples Manchester United at Arrowhead Stadium |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/news/ten-years-ago-today-kansas-city-topples-manchester-united-arrowhead-stadium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210024644/https://www.sportingkc.com/news/ten-years-ago-today-kansas-city-topples-manchester-united-arrowhead-stadium |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |language=en}} In the 2010 regular season, the Wizards finished third in the Eastern Conference and narrowly missed qualifying for the playoffs.

With the rebranding (of Wizards to Sporting) the team followed a recent trend in MLS of adopting European-style names, such as Toronto FC, D.C. United, and Real Salt Lake. The title "Sporting" has its origins in Iberia where it is used only by multi-sports clubs with a history of having multiple departments fielding teams across different sports, the most notable being Portugal's Sporting CP. Kansas City's use of the term has been criticized for inaccuracy and cultural appropriation.{{cite web|url=http://www.cafefutebol.net/2013/11/15/the-absurdity-of-mls-nomenclature/|title=The Absurdity of MLS Nomenclature|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022222512/http://www.cafefutebol.net/2013/11/15/the-absurdity-of-mls-nomenclature/|archive-date=October 22, 2014|access-date=December 3, 2018}} At the rebrand announcement, the Kansas City's president announced they had planned to add a rugby club and lacrosse club.{{cite web|title=Pro Lax in Kansas City?!|url=http://centraliowalax.blogspot.com/2010/11/pro-lax-in-kansas-city.html|website=Central Iowa Lacrosse & Sports Ramblings|date=November 22, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002202303/http://centraliowalax.blogspot.com/2010/11/pro-lax-in-kansas-city.html|archive-date=October 2, 2013|access-date=September 22, 2013}} Since then, a partnership with the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club has been announced,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/news/2011/05/affiliation-announced-kc-blues-rugby|title=Affiliation Announced with KC Blues Rugby|work=Sporting Kansas City|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006091424/http://www.sportingkc.com/news/2011/05/affiliation-announced-kc-blues-rugby|archive-date=October 6, 2014|access-date=October 3, 2014}} but the two sides are not part of one "Sporting Club" and no lacrosse team has been established. The rebranding was met with a mixture of both excitement and disdain by fans when originally announced.{{cite web |title=Rebranding in Professional Sports: The Good, Sporting Kansas City |url=https://www.trademarkologist.com/2014/05/rebranding-in-professional-sports-the-good-sporting-kansas-city/ |website=Trademarkology |publisher=Stites & Harbison, PLLC |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126134906/https://www.trademarkologist.com/2014/05/rebranding-in-professional-sports-the-good-sporting-kansas-city/ |archive-date=November 26, 2018 |url-status=dead }}

With the opening of the new Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, Sporting became the first major-league team to have played in stadiums on both sides of the state line in Kansas City, while Kansas City became the only U.S. metropolitan area other than New York City to have major professional sports teams playing in different states.

Because Children's Mercy Park was not ready for the beginning of the 2011 season, Sporting Kansas City played its first ten games on the road, only winning one game. Once the road trip was over, the team found more success and ended the regular season with the most points of any Eastern Conference team. After defeating the Colorado Rapids on a 4–0 aggregate in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Sporting lost to the Houston Dynamo 2–0 in the Eastern Conference finals.

KC began the 2012 season with seven consecutive wins, in the process setting an MLS record for 335 minutes without allowing a shot on goal.{{cite web|title=Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Sporting Kansas City 04-19-2012 – Preview {{!}} MLSsoccer.com|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-04-18-van-v-kc/preview|website=MLS Soccer|date=October 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006023346/http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-04-18-van-v-kc/preview|archive-date=October 6, 2013}} The team finished the regular season first in the East with an 18–7–9 record. KC was led by Graham Zusi, who delivered a league-leading 15 assists and was named finalist for 2012 MLS MVP,{{cite news|last1=Bell|first1=Jack|title=Graham Zusi Emerges as Rising U.S. Soccer Star|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/sports/graham-zusi-emerges-as-rising-us-soccer-star.html?_r=0|access-date=July 22, 2017|work=The New York Times|date=October 27, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027200905/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/sports/graham-zusi-emerges-as-rising-us-soccer-star.html?_r=0|archive-date=October 27, 2012}} Jimmy Nielsen, who notched a league leading 15 shutouts and was named 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and Matt Besler, who was named MLS Defender of the Year. KC lost to the Houston Dynamo in the conference semifinals. KC won the 2012 U.S. Open Cup, defeating Seattle Sounders FC in the finals, to qualify for the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League.

File:Obama with 2013 MLS Cup winner Sporting Kansas City team October 2014.jpg honored the team and their victory in MLS Cup 2013, in the East Room of the White House.]]

In 2013, Kansas City took advantage of MLS's newly created retention funds to renew contracts with U.S. national team players Graham Zusi and Matt Besler.{{cite web|last1=Davis|first1=Steve|title=About those MLS retention funds: They have already been put to significant use|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/02/about-those-mls-retention-funds-they-have-already-been-put-to-significant-use/|website=ProSoccerTalk|date=August 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907041541/http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/02/about-those-mls-retention-funds-they-have-already-been-put-to-significant-use/|archive-date=September 7, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2013}} Sporting had finished second in the Eastern Conference and overall with 17 wins, 10 losses, and tied 7 times in the regular season. In the 2013 MLS Playoffs, Sporting KC defeated NE Revolution in the conference semifinals and Houston Dynamo in the conference finals, advancing to MLS Cup 2013. SKC defeated Real Salt Lake on penalties (7–6) after the match was tied 1–1 in regulation and overtime. It was the coldest MLS Cup game on record.{{cite web|url=http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/07/mls-history-the-record-is-set-for-coldest-kickoff-temperatures-any-major-league-soccer-match/|title=MLS history: the record is set for coldest kickoff temperatures any Major League Soccer match|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114071754/http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/07/mls-history-the-record-is-set-for-coldest-kickoff-temperatures-any-major-league-soccer-match/|archive-date=January 14, 2014|access-date=January 3, 2014}}

File:SKC_Busio_Russell_Espinoza_2021.jpg, Johnny Russell, and Roger Espinoza in 2021.]]

In the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs, Sporting were eliminated in the East Knockout Round by the New York Red Bulls.{{cite web|title=MLS announces new strategy for Los Angeles market, 2015 conference alignment|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/10/27/mls-announces-new-strategy-los-angeles-market|website=mlssoccer.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=October 27, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028032910/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/10/27/mls-announces-new-strategy-los-angeles-market|archive-date=October 28, 2014}}

On October 27, 2014, the league announced that Sporting, along with the Houston Dynamo, would move from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference when two teams from East Coast states, New York City FC and Orlando City SC, joined the league in 2015. Sporting finished sixth in the Western Conference that year, again qualifying for postseason play due to the expanded twelve-club field in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.{{cite magazine|title=MLS to expand playoff field to 12 in 2015, will add extra knockout games|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/11/29/mls-cup-playoff-format-2015-changes|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=October 31, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128170652/http://www.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/11/29/mls-cup-playoff-format-2015-changes|archive-date=November 28, 2015}} They were eliminated in the Western Knockout Round by the Portland Timbers, 6–7 in a Penalty Shootout.

Sporting's co-owner Neal Patterson died due to soft tissue cancer in July 2017.{{cite news|last1=Stafford|first1=Diane|title=Cerner co-founder Neal Patterson surprises crowd at health conference|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article115229818.html|access-date=July 12, 2017|work=Kansas City Star|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120092432/http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article115229818.html|archive-date=November 20, 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Cummings|first1=Ian|last2=Vockrodt|first2=Steve|last3=McDowell|first3=Sam|title='A profound loss': Cerner CEO Neal Patterson dies from cancer at age 67|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article160386359.html|access-date=July 10, 2017|work=Kansas City Star|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709181520/http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article160386359.html|archive-date=July 9, 2017}} Kansas City unveiled wordmarks on the team's jerseys and on Children's Mercy Park to commemorate their late owner.{{cite web|title=Sporting KC to honor Neal Patterson tonight at Children's Mercy Park|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2017/07/11/sporting-kc-honor-neal-patterson-tonight-children-s-mercy-park|website=Sporting Kansas City|date=July 11, 2017|access-date=August 1, 2017|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802042136/https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2017/07/11/sporting-kc-honor-neal-patterson-tonight-children-s-mercy-park|url-status=live}} Later that month, the club traded Dom Dwyer to Orlando City in exchange for $1.6 million (in general and targeted allocation money with additional incentives), setting the record for the most expensive internal trade in league history.{{cite news|title=Orlando City acquires Dom Dwyer in trade with Sporting Kansas City|url=http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3164795/orlando-city-acquires-dom-dwyer-in-trade-with-sporting-kansas-city|access-date=July 25, 2017|work=ESPNFC.com|date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327193227/http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/3164795/orlando-city-acquires-dom-dwyer-in-trade-with-sporting-kansas-city|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Kovzan|first1=Sam|title=Sporting KC acquires up to $1.6 million in Allocation Money from Orlando City SC in exchange for forward Dom Dwyer|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2017/07/25/sporting-kc-acquires-16-million-allocation-money-orlando-city-sc-exchange-forward|website=Sporting Kansas City|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=July 25, 2017|archive-date=July 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725193019/https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2017/07/25/sporting-kc-acquires-16-million-allocation-money-orlando-city-sc-exchange-forward|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=McDowell|first1=Sam|title=Sporting KC trades Dom Dwyer to Orlando City SC|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article163468048.html|access-date=July 25, 2017|date=July 25, 2017|work=Kansas City Star|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725192803/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article163468048.html|archive-date=July 25, 2017}}{{cite news|last1=DelGallo|first1=Alicia|title=Orlando City reaches agreement to bring Dom Dwyer back|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-sp-dom-dwyer-signs-orlando-city-20170725-story.html|access-date=July 25, 2017|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=July 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725192306/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-sp-dom-dwyer-signs-orlando-city-20170725-story.html|archive-date=July 25, 2017}}

The team won the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2–1 in the final.{{cite web|url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-09-20-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-york-red-bulls/boxscore|title=Sporting Kansas City vs. New York Red Bulls – MatchCenter Boxscore|website=MLSsoccer.com MatchCenter|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100007/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-09-20-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-york-red-bulls/boxscore|url-status=live}} The win gave Sporting their fourth Open Cup title, and their third in the last six years. The victory extended head coach Peter Vermes's record to 4–0 in cup finals and championship games with the club.{{cite web|url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-09-20-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-york-red-bulls/preview|title=Sporting KC vs. New York Red Bulls – 2017 US Open Cup Final Preview|date=September 18, 2017|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100052/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-09-20-sporting-kansas-city-vs-new-york-red-bulls/preview|url-status=live}} In Open Cup history, Kansas City became just the second franchise in the single elimination tournament to have won four Open Cup finals in the same number of appearances.{{cite web|last1=Brisendine|first1=Steve|title=Brisendine: Old ways die hard on wild Open Cup night for Sporting KC, RBNY|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/21/brisendine-old-ways-die-hard-wild-open-cup-night-sporting-kc-rbny|website=MLSsoccer.com|date=September 21, 2017|access-date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010095407/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/21/brisendine-old-ways-die-hard-wild-open-cup-night-sporting-kc-rbny|url-status=live}}

Pat Curran, one of the club's ownership partners, died in October 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/news/sporting-kc-mourns-the-passing-of-pat-curran|title=Sporting KC mourns the passing of Pat Curran|website=SportingKC.com|date=October 22, 2024|access-date=October 22, 2024|language=en}} Peter Vermes ended his 15-year tenure as the team's head coach in March 2025 after a winless start to the season.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=April 1, 2025 |title=Vermes' Sporting exit marks end of a managerial era in MLS |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44491360/peter-vermes-sporting-kansas-city-exit-marks-end-managerial-era-mls |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=April 6, 2025}}

File:Kansas City Wizards logo (2006–10).svg

{{multiple image

| align = right

| direction =

| background color =

| total_width = 300

| caption_align = center

| image1 = Aurélien Collin cropped.jpg

| width1 =

| height1 =

| alt1 =

| link1 = File:Aurélien Collin cropped.jpg

| thumbtime1 =

| caption1 = Aurélien Collin wearing Sporting's primary uniform (2011–2012)

| image2 = Teal Bunbury.jpg

| width2 =

| height2 =

| alt2 =

| link2 = File:Teal Bunbury.jpg

| thumbtime2 =

| caption2 = Teal Bunbury wearing Sporting's secondary uniform (2011–2013)

}}

Sporting Kansas City's official colors are "sporting blue" and "dark indigo"{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2014/03/05/sporting-kc-unveils-new-secondary-jersey|title=Sporting KC unveils new secondary jersey {{pipe}} Sporting Kansas City|accessdate=June 1, 2021|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111170904/https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2014/03/05/sporting-kc-unveils-new-secondary-jersey|url-status=dead}} with "lead" as a tertiary color.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/rangers/about|title=About Swope Park Rangers {{pipe}} Sporting Kansas City|accessdate=June 1, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807075745/https://www.sportingkc.com/rangers/about|url-status=dead}} The primary logo is composed of a teardrop-shaped shield containing a stylized representation of the Kansas–Missouri state line with "sporting blue" stripes on the "Kansas" side and an interlocking "SC" on the "Missouri" side. The shield's contour alludes to the team's former logo while under the "Kansas City Wizards" appellation. The stateline represents Sporting's fanbase in both of the Kansas and Missouri portions of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The eleven alternating horizontal stripes of "sporting blue" and "dark indigo" forming the state line are a nod to the number of players a team fields. The "SC" (for Sporting Club) is inspired by Asclepius' rod representing health and fitness, a Greek statue called the Winged Victory of Samothrace – alluding to strength and movement, and to the Spanish architecture of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. Beginning in 2013, Ivy Funds became the club's first uniform sponsor,{{cite web |url=http://mailings.ivyfunds.com/_2013/Ivy/17250_1301_sporting_kc_sponsorship_internal_announcement/SKC_PressRelease.html |title=Sporting KC introduces Ivy Funds as club's first-ever jersey sponsor |publisher=Mailings.ivyfunds.com |access-date=January 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201154028/http://mailings.ivyfunds.com/_2013/Ivy/17250_1301_sporting_kc_sponsorship_internal_announcement/SKC_PressRelease.html |archive-date=February 1, 2013 }} and a new home and away jersey design was unveiled, and an alternate argyle design.

Home: 1996–2010

Home: 2011–present

Third

{{main|Arrowhead Stadium}}

File:Kansas City Arrowhead Stadium.jpg

From 1996 through 2007, the Wizards played home games in Arrowhead Stadium, the American football stadium mainly used by the Kansas City Chiefs. Wizards management kept the west end of Arrowhead tarped off for the first 10 years of play, limiting seating near the field. In 2006, fans could sit all the way around the field, but, in 2007, seating was [again] only available along the sidelines. After the 2007 final season at Arrowhead, the Wizards continued to use the stadium for select large events. In 2008, the club played a regular season home game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the stadium to accommodate the large crowd expected for David Beckham's Galaxy debut. Again in 2010, the Wizards played a friendly here against English club Manchester United, winning 2–1. Once again the club had to use the stadium for their game against Inter Miami to accommodate the large crowd for Lionel Messi's first appearance in Kansas City. Inter Miami won the game 3-2.

{{main|CommunityAmerica Ballpark}}

File:Kansas City NWSL 2021.jpg

The Wizards entered an agreement with the Kansas City T-Bones to use their home stadium, CommunityAmerica Ballpark, during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. The deal was later extended to include 2010. The stadium, located across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas, built a new bleacher section financed by the Wizards to increase its capacity to 10,385. This move made the Wizards the third MLS team to share their home ground with a baseball team. D.C. United had been sharing RFK Stadium with Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals in Washington, D.C., before the latter's move into Nationals Park. The San Jose Earthquakes used Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, home of the Oakland A's (and Oakland Raiders), for certain games during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

The Wizards originally planned to return to Kansas City, Missouri, and build a new stadium there – tentatively called Trails Stadium – as part of a major mixed-use development. The team had received all required approvals and was awaiting site demolition; however, the 2008–09 financial crisis ultimately led to the scrapping of the Trails Stadium project.

{{main|Children's Mercy Park}}

File:Livestrong Sporting Park - Sporting KC v New England Revolution.jpg

The team sought a new site for its stadium, quickly settling on a development in Kansas City, Kansas, known as Village West, near CommunityAmerica Ballpark and the Kansas Speedway.

In September 2009, the developer asked Wyandotte County (in Kansas) and Kansas state officials for permission to use revenues from existing tax increment financing in the Village West area to help finance the soccer complex.[http://www.kansascity.com/sports/wizards/story/1619544.html Kansas adjusts offer aimed at spurring Cerner, Wizards development near speedway], The Kansas City Star, December 8, 2009. On December 17, Wizards president Robb Heineman provided an update on the stadium situation, identifying the Kansas City, Kansas, location as near final, pending the signature of the final agreements.{{cite web|title=Kansas City Wizards: News: Heineman provides stadium update|url=http://kc.wizards.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20091217&content_id=7825974&vkey=pr_kcw&fext=.jsp&team=t105|date=January 26, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126133209/http://kc.wizards.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20091217&content_id=7825974&vkey=pr_kcw&fext=.jsp&team=t105|archive-date=January 26, 2010}} KC Wizards Official Website.{{cite web|title=Hillcrest Road: RH Stadium Update|url=http://www.hillcrestroadblog.com/2009/12/rh-stadium-update.html|date=December 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220023902/http://www.hillcrestroadblog.com/2009/12/rh-stadium-update.html|archive-date=December 20, 2009}} On January 19, 2010, Wyandotte County approved the bonds to help finance the stadium,[http://kc.wizards.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20100119&content_id=7938772&vkey=pr_kcw&fext=.jsp&team=t105 Stadium Approval News] {{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=Elisfkc |fix-attempted=yes }}, KC Wizards Official Website.{{cite news|last1=Roberts|first1=Rob|title=Work starts on Kansas City Wizards stadium – Kansas City Business Journal|url=http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2009/12/21/daily35.html|work=Kansas City Business Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091230155406/http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2009/12/21/daily35.html|archive-date=December 30, 2009}} and on January 20 the groundbreaking ceremony was made, with Wizards CEO Robb Heineman using heavy machinery to move dirt on the construction site.{{cite web|title=Hillcrest Road: Dirt Has Moved|url=http://www.hillcrestroadblog.com/2010/01/dirt-has-moved.html|date=January 23, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123193345/http://www.hillcrestroadblog.com/2010/01/dirt-has-moved.html|archive-date=January 23, 2010}}

When the Kansas City Wizards first rebranded as Sporting Kansas City, they built Livestrong Sporting Park. Spending $200 million on the complex,{{cite web|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-06-08-3020209537_x.htm|title=KC Unveils $200 Million New Soccer Stadium|last=Tucker|first=Doug|work=USA Today|access-date=October 22, 2015|date=June 9, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022183806/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-06-08-3020209537_x.htm|archive-date=October 22, 2015}} it was the first "European style" soccer complex in the United States.{{cite web |title=Children's Mercy Park: Guide to the Home of Sporting Kansas City |url=https://fcscout.com/stadiums/usa-stadiums/childrens-mercy-park-sporting-kansas-city/ |website=fcscout.com |access-date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623140412/https://fcscout.com/stadiums/usa-stadiums/childrens-mercy-park-sporting-kansas-city/ |url-status=live }} Name rights were held by the Livestrong Foundation until the downfall of Lance Armstrong from his doping scandal; Sporting Kansas City subsequently changed the name of their stadium to Sporting Park.{{cite web|last1=Paylor|first1=Terez|title=Sporting KC's stadium name: Livestrong Sporting Park|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/the-full-90/article297970/Sporting-KCs-stadium-name-Livestrong-Sporting-Park.html|work=The Kansas City Star|access-date=November 20, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120170314/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/the-full-90/article297970/Sporting-KCs-stadium-name-Livestrong-Sporting-Park.html |archive-date=November 20, 2015 }}{{cite web|last=Rovell|first=Darren|title=Livestrong Sporting Park deal set to end|url=https://www.espn.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/8847899/livestrong-major-league-soccer-sporting-kc-end-naming-rights-deal|work=ESPN.com|date=January 16, 2013|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119115716/http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/8847899/livestrong-major-league-soccer-sporting-kc-end-naming-rights-deal|archive-date=January 19, 2013}}{{cite news|last=Tryon|first=Barrett|title=Livestrong Sporting Park Deal is Over Immediately; Renamed Sporting Park|url=http://fox4kc.com/2013/01/15/report-livestrong-sporting-park-deal-is-over/|publisher=WDAF-TV|access-date=January 16, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118173152/http://fox4kc.com/2013/01/15/report-livestrong-sporting-park-deal-is-over/|archive-date=January 18, 2013}}

File:Children's Mercy Park Aerial.jpg

On November 19, 2015, the stadium was renamed to Children's Mercy Park in a ten-year deal with Children's Mercy Hospital.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/11/19/children’s-mercy-and-sporting-kansas-city-announce-youth-health-and-pediatric-sports|title=Children's Mercy and Sporting Kansas City announce youth health and pediatric sports medicine initiative|last=Austin|first=Kurt|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2015|publisher=SportingKC.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120140447/http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/11/19/children%E2%80%99s-mercy-and-sporting-kansas-city-announce-youth-health-and-pediatric-sports|archive-date=November 20, 2015}}

Previous stadiums:

• Blue Valley Sports Complex; Overland Park, Kansas (2001, 2004, 2006, 2011); 6 games in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
• Julian Field; Parkville, Missouri (2005); 2 games in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
• Hermann Stadium; St. Louis, Missouri (2009) 1 game in North American SuperLiga
• Durwood Soccer Stadium; Kansas City, Missouri (2010) 1 game in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

File:The Cauldron (Sporting Kansas City).jpg.]]

Sporting regularly sells out its matches, with over 100 straight sellouts as of August 2017.{{cite news|last1=McDowell|first1=Sam|title=The evolution of a fan base: Sporting KC to reach 100 straight sellouts Saturday|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article168006392.html|access-date=April 25, 2018|work=The Kansas City Star|date=August 18, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183740/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article168006392.html|url-status=dead}} Sporting has 14,000 season-ticket holders, with a wait list for season tickets of 3,000 people.{{cite magazine|last1=Wahl|first1=Grant|title=2014 MLS Ambition Rankings: Toronto FC rises to No. 1 {{!}} Planet Futbol - SI.com|url=http://soccer.si.com/2014/03/14/2014-mls-ambition-rankings-toronto-fc-leiweke-bradley-defoe-dempsey/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=March 21, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321182713/http://soccer.si.com/2014/03/14/2014-mls-ambition-rankings-toronto-fc-leiweke-bradley-defoe-dempsey/|archive-date=March 21, 2014}} Sporting KC has a relatively young fan base, with season-ticket holders having an average age of 29.7 years.{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Ben|title=Why College Football Is Studying Major League Soccer – WSJ|url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/why-college-football-is-studying-major-league-soccer-1405556573|work=Walt Street Journal|date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004133202/http://online.wsj.com/articles/why-college-football-is-studying-major-league-soccer-1405556573|archive-date=October 4, 2014}} Sporting KC works with Sporting Innovations, a consulting firm spun off from the team that focuses on fan engagement. Administrators from several college football teams, such as the Florida Gators, have visited Sporting KC to learn from the team's success at fan engagement.

The main supporters group of Sporting Kansas City cheers in the Members' Stand on the North side of Children's Mercy Park and is known as "The Cauldron".{{cite web|title=Sporting Kansas City Supporters|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/club/supporters|publisher=Sporting Kansas City Official Website |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004014218/https://www.sportingkc.com/club/supporters |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |url-status=unfit}} The name is derived from the large metal pots used for boiling potions, due to the team's former name Wizards. Since the rebranding in 2010, Sporting have seen dramatic growth in their fan section, with several fan groups adding their voice to The Cauldron culture and atmosphere.

Current groups in the north stands along with The Cauldron include: The Emeritus, Drainage Pond SC, Monster Squad, La Barra KC, Mass Street Mob, King City Yardbirds, Fountain City Ultras, Trenches, and Ladies of SKC.

The South Stand SC cheers from the south end of Children's Mercy Park and is the umbrella group for The Wedge and Ad Astra SKC (a reference to the motto of the state of Kansas), while American Outlaws – Kansas City Chapter are also present in the stands.

File:Blue - Sporting Kansas City 2022.png

"Blue the Dog" is the franchise's official mascot.{{cite web|url=http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/release/messages/37962/|title=Sporting KC mascot helps school announce efforts to make student's wish come true|work=kcstar.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923234554/http://pressreleases.kcstar.com/release/messages/37962/|archive-date=September 23, 2015}}

The two teams had faced each other regularly over the years, while both having been members of the Eastern conference. During that time, Sporting KC had frequently faced Houston in the playoffs, beginning their rivalry. As of 2022, SKC is 18–18–16 (W–L–T) against the Dynamo.{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=Sporting KC football club - Soccer Wiki: for the fans, by the fans |url=https://en.soccerwiki.org/squad.php?clubid=460 |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=Soccer Wiki |language=en}}

In their total meetings, Sporting KC is 17–19–12 (W–L–T), (as of October 2023). The two teams faced each other in MLS Cup 2013, in what was the coldest MLS Cup final at that time.

In recent years, the metro areas of Portland and Kansas City have both become major soccer markets due to the performance of their respective soccer teams. Additionally their NWSL teams, the Portland Thorns and the Kansas City Current, have become major rivals, especially since the Thorns' 2–0 win over the Current in the 2022 NWSL Championship.

{{Main|Sporting Kansas City–St. Louis City SC rivalry}}

Sporting KC began a rivalry with St. Louis City SC starting with the team's entrance into the league in the 2023 season. Prior to the first meeting, a St Louis fan podcast, the Soccer Capitol Podcast, became the center of attention and heightening tensions between supporters. A series of emails from Sporting Kansas City’s front office arrived in the inbox of the podcast's Gmail account. The club believed the Soccer Capitol Podcast was infringing on the trademark "The Soccer Capital of America," which was registered to Kansas Training Partners LLC, an affiliate company of Sporting Kansas City.{{cite web|url=https://fox4kc.com/sports/sporting-kc/sporting-kc-st-louis-city-bring-i-70-rivalry-to-mls/|title=Sporting KC, St. Louis City bring I-70 rivalry to MLS|website=Fox4kc.com|last=Cisneros|first=Juan|date=October 13, 2022|access-date=November 6, 2022|archive-date=November 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107002712/https://fox4kc.com/sports/sporting-kc/sporting-kc-st-louis-city-bring-i-70-rivalry-to-mls/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Preseason mailbag, Part 2: St. Louis-Sporting KC rivalry, Atlanta's teardown & more |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/preseason-mailbag-part-2-st-louis-sporting-kc-rivalry-atlanta-s-teardown-more |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=Major League Soccer|archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312110329/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/preseason-mailbag-part-2-st-louis-sporting-kc-rivalry-atlanta-s-teardown-more |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=City |first=Sporting Kansas |title=MLS to bolster longtime rivalry between Kansas City and St. Louis |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/news/mls-bolster-longtime-rivalry-between-kansas-city-and-st-louis |access-date=2023-02-20 |publisher=Sporting Kansas City |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119230102/https://www.sportingkc.com/news/mls-bolster-longtime-rivalry-between-kansas-city-and-st-louis |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=Sporting KC, St. Louis City bring I-70 rivalry to MLS |url=https://fox4kc.com/sports/sporting-kc/sporting-kc-st-louis-city-bring-i-70-rivalry-to-mls/ |access-date=2023-02-20 |website=FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107002712/https://fox4kc.com/sports/sporting-kc/sporting-kc-st-louis-city-bring-i-70-rivalry-to-mls/ |url-status=live }}{{Failed verification|date=April 2024}} St. Louis City won the first meeting at CityPark in May 2023, but Sporting KC won the second meeting, which took place at Children's Mercy Park the following September.{{Cite web |last=City |first=Sporting Kansas |title=SKCvsSTL 09-02-2023 |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2023/matches/skcvsstl-09-02-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |publisher=Sporting Kansas City |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903214941/https://www.sportingkc.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2023/matches/skcvsstl-09-02-2023/ |url-status=live }} The two teams played in their first postseason matchup in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs,{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sporting-kc-book-rivalry-date-with-st-louis-city-this-is-crazy|title=Sporting KC book rivalry date with St. Louis CITY: "This is crazy"|last=Butler|first=Dylan|date=October 26, 2023|access-date=October 26, 2023|publisher=Major League Soccer|archive-date=October 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027011030/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sporting-kc-book-rivalry-date-with-st-louis-city-this-is-crazy|url-status=live}} with Sporting Kansas City (the #8 seed) upsetting the #1 seeded St. Louis in a best-of-three series.{{cite web|url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/sporting-kc-upsets-number-one-seed-st-louis-city-sc-in-mls-cup-playoffs/45746964|title=Sporting KC upsets number one seed St. Louis City SC in MLS Cup Playoffs|last=Headlee|first=Peyton|website=kmbc.com|date=November 5, 2023|access-date=November 5, 2023|archive-date=November 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106032739/https://www.kmbc.com/article/sporting-kc-upsets-number-one-seed-st-louis-city-sc-in-mls-cup-playoffs/45746964|url-status=live}}

From 2023, every Sporting Kansas City match is available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.

Prior to 2017 matches were broadcast in high definition on KMCI-TV (except for nationally broadcast matches). The play-by-play announcer was WHB 810AM 'Border Patrol' host Nate Bukaty, who began broadcasting for the team in the 2015 season. Former Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum provided color commentary following his retirement after the 2014 season. Color commentary was covered by Jake Yadrich through the 2013 season, after which he transitioned to be the lead analyst on the sidelines during games. Morning reporter Kacie McDonnell of KSHB-TV, an NBC affiliate and KMCI-TV's sister station, served as the network host of the pregame and postgame shows.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/broadcast-information|title=Broadcast Information|work=Sporting Kansas City|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226101009/http://www.sportingkc.com/broadcast-information|archive-date=February 26, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2016}}

In addition, the Sporting Kansas City Television Network provided coverage across markets in six states:

• Mediacom 22 throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa
• KZOU in Columbia, Missouri
• The Cox Channel in Northwest Arkansas, Topeka, Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, Omaha, Nebraska, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, Oklahoma
• LAKE-TV Channel 32 in the Lake of the Ozarks{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/03/13/sporting-kansas-city-television-network-announces-affiliates-2015-season|title=Sporting Kansas City Television Network announces affiliates for 2015 season|work=Sporting Kansas City|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225193212/http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2015/03/13/sporting-kansas-city-television-network-announces-affiliates-2015-season|archive-date=February 25, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2016}}

Matches that are not broadcast nationally were broadcast on Fox Sports Kansas City (it was also carried on Fox Sports Midwest in the St. Louis market until 2023, where it was removed due to founding of St Louis City SC).{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/12/20/fox-sports-kansas-city-and-sporting-kc-announce-multi-year-tv-agreement-beginning|title=FOX Sports Kansas City and Sporting KC announce multi-year TV agreement beginning in 2017|last=Kovzan|first=Sam|date=December 20, 2016|website=Sporting Kansas City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229045926/http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/12/20/fox-sports-kansas-city-and-sporting-kc-announce-multi-year-tv-agreement-beginning|archive-date=December 29, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=March 14, 2017}} In 2017, Fox Sports Midwest only carried select matches, while in 2018, the club announced the St. Louis market would receive all matches while the Mid-Missouri and Iowa markets would receive most matches. Nate Bukaty continues to provide the play-by-play commentary, while Jacob Peterson joined as the color commentator ahead of the 2020 season with Carter Augustine returning as the sideline reporter.{{cite web |title=BROADCAST INFORMATION |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/broadcast-information |website=Sporting Kansas City |access-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234155/https://www.sportingkc.com/broadcast-information |url-status=dead }}

In 2022, prior to an upcoming leaguewide TV deal, KMCI returned as broadcast partner for those in the Kansas City market,{{cite news |last1=Sperry |first1=Daniel |title=Sporting Kansas City has new TV broadcast home for 2022. Here's where you can watch |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article258376883.html |access-date=26 September 2022 |work=The Kansas City Star |date=14 February 2022 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} with other areas being able to stream all matches on the club's website.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/news/sporting-kc-announces-fan-driven-broadcast-strategy-featuring-live-streams-and-n|title=Sporting KC announces fan-driven broadcast strategy featuring live streams and new over-the-air TV partner|first=Sporting Kansas|last=City|website=Sporting Kansas City|accessdate=February 15, 2022|archive-date=December 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213131111/https://www.sportingkc.com/news/sporting-kc-announces-fan-driven-broadcast-strategy-featuring-live-streams-and-n|url-status=live}}

Regular local radio coverage in English is provided through an official partnership with Sports Radio 810 WHB and its affiliate ESPN Kansas City 99.3FM. Spanish broadcasting was previously found on KDTD 1340AM, but is on KCZZ (ESPN Deportes Kansas City 1480AM) for the 2018 season. The broadcasts are produced by Jorge Moreno and feature the voice of 13-year MLS veteran Diego Gutierrez along with Ale Cabero, Raul Villegas and Alonso Cadena.{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Kurt |title=Sporting KC matches to air on ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/02/23/sporting-kc-matches-air-espn-deportes-kc-1480-am |website=Sporting Kansas City |access-date=June 13, 2018 |date=February 23, 2018 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234142/https://www.sportingkc.com/post/2018/02/23/sporting-kc-matches-air-espn-deportes-kc-1480-am |url-status=dead }}

{{For|details on former players|All-time Sporting Kansas City roster}}

{{updated|April 24, 2025|{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/players|title=Players {{pipe}} Sporting Kansas City|publisher=Sporting Kansas City|website=sportingkc.com|accessdate=August 3, 2021|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912091209/https://www.sportingkc.com/players|url-status=live}}}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=A7BCD6|color=0C2340|border=0C2340]]}}

{{Fs player |no=1 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=John Pulskamp}}

{{Fs player |no=2 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Ian James}}

{{Fs player |no=3 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Andrew Brody}}

{{Fs player |no=4 |nat=GER |pos=DF |name=Robert Voloder}}

{{Fs player |no=5 |nat=COL |pos=DF |name=Daniel Rosero}}

{{Fs player |no=6 |nat=SRB |pos=MF |name=Nemanja Radoja}}

{{Fs player |no=7 |nat=MEX |pos=FW |name=Santiago Muñoz|other=on loan from Santos Laguna}}

{{Fs player |no=8 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=Memo Rodríguez}}

{{Fs player |no=9 |nat=SRB |pos=FW |name=Dejan Joveljić}}

{{Fs player |no=10 |nat=HUN |pos=FW |name=Dániel Sallói}}

{{Fs player |no=11 |nat=USA |pos=FW |name=Khiry Shelton}}

{{Fs player |no=12 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=Jack Kortkamp}}

{{Fs player |no=13 |nat=USA |pos=FW |name=Mason Toye}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=A7BCD6|color=0C2340|border=0C2340]]}}

{{Fs player |no=14 |nat=GER |pos=DF |name=Tim Leibold}}

{{Fs player |no=15 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Jansen Miller}}

{{Fs player |no=16 |nat=USA |pos=MF |name=Jacob Bartlett}}

{{Fs player |no=17 |nat=USA |pos=DF |name=Jake Davis}}

{{Fs player |no=18 |nat=BEL |pos=DF |name=Logan Ndenbe}}

{{Fs player |no=21 |nat=ESP |pos=MF |name=Manu García}}

{{Fs player |no=22 |nat=CAN |pos=DF |name=Zorhan Bassong}}

{{Fs player |no=24 |nat=ESP |pos=DF |name=Joaquín Fernández}}

{{Fs player |no=26 |nat=GER |pos=MF |name=Erik Thommy}}

{{Fs player |no=30 |nat=CAN |pos=FW |name=Stephen Afrifa}}

{{Fs player |no=36 |nat=USA |pos=GK |name=Ryan Schewe}}

{{Fs player |no=93 |nat=RUS |pos=FW |name=Shapi Suleymanov}}

{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=A7BCD6|color=0C2340|border=0C2340]]}}

File:Peter-vermes.jpg with the same club as player (2000) and later as head coach (2013).]]

• MLS Fair Play Award (4): 1998, 2002, 2005, 2006
• CONCACAF Champions League Fair Play Award: 2019

{{Main|List of Sporting Kansas City seasons}}

This is a partial list of the most recent seasons completed by SKC. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Sporting Kansas City seasons.

{{note|1}}1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.

{{note|2}}2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in league, MLS Cup playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

• 2001 Copa Merconorte

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|PER}} Sporting Cristal: 1–2

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Santos Laguna: 2–4

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|ECU}} Barcelona: 3–2

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|PER}} Sporting Cristal: 1–2

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|ECU}} Barcelona: 1–1

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Santos Laguna: 0–1

• 2002 CONCACAF Champions Cup

::First Round v. {{flagicon|TRI}} W Connection: 1–0, 2–0 (Wizards win 3–0 on aggregate)

::Quarterfinal v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Santos Laguna: 1–2, 2–0 (Wizards win 3–2 on aggregate)

::Semifinals v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Monarcas Morelia: 1–6, 1–1 (Morelia advance 7–2 on aggregate)

• 2005 CONCACAF Champions Cup

::First Round v. {{flagicon|CRC}} Deportivo Saprissa: 0–0, 1–2 (Saprissa advance 2–1 on aggregate after added extra time)

• 2009 North American SuperLiga

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Atlas: 0–0

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|USA}} New England Revolution: 1–1

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Santos Laguna: 1–3

• 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|NCA}} Real Estelí: 2–0, 1–1

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|HON}} Olimpia: 2–0, 0–0

::Quarterfinals v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Cruz Azul: 1–0, 1–5 (Cruz Azul advance 5–2 on aggregate)

• 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|NCA}} Real Estelí: 1–1, 3–0

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|CRC}} Deportivo Saprissa: 3–1, 0–2

• 2016–17 CONCACAF Champions League

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|TRI}} Central FC: 2–2, 3–1

::Group stage v. {{flagicon|CAN}} Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 3–0, 1–2

• 2019 CONCACAF Champions League

::Round of 16 v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Toluca: 3–0, 2–0 (Sporting KC advance 5–0 on aggregate)

::Quarterfinals v. {{flagicon|PAN}} Independiente: 1–2, 3–0 (Sporting KC advance 4–2 on aggregate)

::Semifinals v. {{flagicon|MEX}} Monterrey 0–5, 2–5 (Monterrey advance 10–2 on aggregate)

{{Updated|September 10, 2023|{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingkc.com/archives|title=Club Archives: 1996-2020 {{pipe}} Sporting Kansas City|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119151112/https://www.sportingkc.com/archives|url-status=dead}}}}

The following records are for MLS regular season only:

• Games: Graham Zusi (355)
• Goals: Preki (71)
• Match-Winning Goals: Dániel Sallói (17)
• Assists: Preki (98)
• Wins: Tim Melia (73)
• Shutouts: Tim Melia (52)
• Saves Tim Melia (530)
• Ejections: Roger Espinoza (11)

{{cite web|title=All-Time Records Sporting Kansas City|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/content/all-time-records|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=March 8, 2020 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722145254/http://www.sportingkc.com/content/all-time-records|archive-date=July 22, 2012}}

File:JimmyNielsen 07JUL2012.jpg

Sporting Legends is an initiative launched in 2013 that pays tribute to the individuals who played an instrumental role for Sporting Kansas City and in the growth of soccer in the region.{{cite web|title=Sporting Legends|url=http://www.sportingkc.com/sportinglegends|publisher=Sporting KC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702233252/http://www.sportingkc.com/sportinglegends|archive-date=July 2, 2014}}

The individuals named as Sporting Legends, their year of induction, and a brief description are listed below:

1. Preki (2013) – 2005 MLS All-Time Best XI, 1997 and 2003 MLS League MVP, Club's all-time leader in goals and assists.
2. Tony Meola (2013) – 2005 MLS All-Time Best XI, 2000 MLS MVP, 2000 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, 2000 MLS Cup MVP.
3. Bob Gansler (2013) – 2000 MLS Coach of the Year, 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 MLS Supporters Shield.
4. Peter Vermes (2014) – as player: 2000 MLS Defender of the Year, 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 MLS Supporters Shield; as manager: 2012, 2015 and 2017 U.S. Open Cups, 2013 MLS Cup.
5. Jimmy Conrad – (2014) – 2004–06, 2008 MLS Best XI, 2004 U.S. Open Cup, 2005 MLS Defender of the Year.
6. Lamar Hunt (2014) – A founder of Major League Soccer, owned the Kansas City Wizards 1996–2006.
7. Chris Klein (2015) – 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 MLS Supporters Shield, 2004 U.S. Open Cup, 2002–2005 MLS All-Star.
8. Kerry Zavagnin (2016) – 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 MLS Supporters Shield, 2004 U.S. Open Cup, 2004 MLS All-Star, 2004 MLS Best XI.
9. Mo Johnston (2017) – 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 MLS Supporters Shield, 1996-1998 MLS All-Star.
10. Josh Wolff (2019) – 2004 U.S. Open Cup, 2004 MLS Western Conference Championship.
11. Jimmy Nielsen (2021) – 2012 U.S. Open Cup, 2013 MLS Cup, 2010, 2012, 2013 MLS Eastern Conference, 2012 MLS Best XI, 2012 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
12. Davy Arnaud (2022) — 2004 U.S. Open Cup, team captain 2010—2011
13. Benny Feilhaber (2024) — 2013 MLS Cup, 2015 and 2017 U.S. Open Cups

{{Portal bar|Kansas|Soccer}}

• List of Sporting Kansas City seasons
• Sports in Kansas City

Primary sources

{{Reflist}}

Further reading

• {{Cite web |last=City |first=Sporting Kansas |title=Stats |url=https://www.sportingkc.com/stats/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Sporting Kansas City |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508013541/https://www.sportingkc.com/stats/ |url-status=live }}

{{Commons category|Sporting Kansas City}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Sporting Kansas City}}

{{Navboxes

|titlestyle = background:#A7BCD6; color:#0C2340; {{box-shadow border|a|#0C2340|2px}}

|list =

{{Sporting Kansas City squad}}

{{Sporting Kansas City managers}}

{{Sporting Kansas City matches}}

{{Major League Soccer}}

{{MLS original clubs}}

{{MLS Cup Winners}}

{{MLS Conference Champions}}

{{Supporters' Shield Winners}}

{{USOC winners}}

{{Kansas Sports}}

}}

{{Portal bar|Association football|United States}}

Category:Association football clubs established in 1995

W

Category:Soccer clubs in Kansas

Category:1995 establishments in Missouri

Category:Major League Soccer teams

Category:Sports clubs and teams in the Kansas City metropolitan area

Category:U.S. Open Cup winners