How a Kansas City soccer club built the first stadium designed for women's professional sports

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Kansas City Current transformed the landscape of professional women's soccer by constructing CPKC Stadium, the first venue built specifically for a women's professional team. Beyond its architectural milestone, the club has redefined performance standards, securing league records and pioneering a fully integrated second-tier developmental pipeline for future talent.

Founded in 2021 as an expansion team, the Kansas City Current emerged after the dissolution of FC Kansas City and the subsequent collapse of the Utah Royals. Led by ownership group Angie and Chris Long, the franchise initially operated under a temporary identity before rebranding in 2022. The club quickly established a reputation for ambition, culminating in the 2024 opening of CPKC Stadium in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This purpose-built facility, with a capacity of 11,500, was privately financed at an estimated cost of $117 million, marking a significant departure from the common practice of sharing venues with larger sports organizations.

The team's on-field performance has mirrored its infrastructure growth. In 2025, the Current achieved a historic regular season, setting NWSL records for points (65), wins (21), and clean sheets (16). Central to this success was forward Temwa Chawinga, who became the first player in league history to secure the Most Valuable Player award in two consecutive seasons. The club’s commitment to excellence extends to its developmental structure; in 2025, it became the first NWSL organization to establish a fully funded, professionalized second team, Kansas City Current II, designed to bridge the gap between collegiate play and the top-tier professional level.

The organization’s influence is further reflected in its investment in local facilities. By July 2025, the club had committed $52 million toward training infrastructure in Riverside, Missouri, including a new 2,000-seat stadium for its reserve squad. This strategic focus on long-term development aligns with the NWSL's broader evolution, as the league prepares for a new developmental division. By prioritizing dedicated infrastructure and a structured pathway for emerging athletes, the Kansas City Current has positioned itself as a blueprint for sustainability and competitive dominance in the modern era of women's professional soccer.

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