July 8, 2025

Buchbinder Family Court Renamed in Honor of Kansas City Supporters

News Summary

The Swinney Center’s competition court is now named the Buchbinder Family Court, celebrating Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder’s long-standing support of UMKC athletics. Their significant contributions include enhancements to various athletic facilities and a commitment to student-athletes. This renaming reflects their impactful legacy in Kansas City sports.

Kansas City – The competition court at the Swinney Center has officially been renamed the Buchbinder Family Court to honor Herb and Bonnie Buchbinder, who have been long-time fans and significant donors to the Kansas City Roos. This renaming is a testament to their enduring commitment to the athletics program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

The Buchbinders have established themselves as pivotal supporters of the Kansas City Roos, which are NCAA Division I teams representing UMKC. Their philanthropic efforts include substantial contributions to the renovations of the KC Men’s Basketball Locker Room, which now bears their family name as well. Herb Buchbinder, a notable figure in the athletics community, was inducted into the Kansas City Athletics Hall of Fame in 2015, further cementing his legacy in the area.

Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Dr. Brandon Martin, acknowledged the Buchbinders for their generosity and long-term commitment to supporting student-athletes. The Buchbinder family has become synonymous with Kansas City Athletics, regularly attending events and rallying support for the Roos, which proudly serve as Kansas City’s College Team.

Their contributions extend well beyond just the men’s basketball program; they have also supported the renovations of women’s basketball and volleyball locker rooms, the renovation of the practice gym, and assistance with various general athletics expenses. Such financial backing showcases their dedication to enhancing the overall athletic experience at UMKC.

Renaming the competition court to Buchbinder Family Court is part of a broader initiative aimed at improving training and competition spaces within the Swinney Center. This initiative is aligned with the athletics facilities master plan and disseminates the strategic priorities of the university, ensuring that the programs remain competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate sports.

The Kansas City Roos are fully committed to promoting student success while conducting impactful research and fostering local economic growth. Currently, UMKC serves over 16,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional disciplines, marking its significance as both an educational institution and a community resource.

This new naming at the Swinney Center symbolizes not only the Buchbinders’ contributions but also highlights the Roos’ ongoing efforts to provide state-of-the-art facilities for their student-athletes. Such enhancements are essential for fostering a robust athletic culture that cultivates talent and excellence.

For more information regarding the Kansas City Roos, their events, and their initiatives, interested individuals can visit their official website or follow them on social media at @KCRoosAthletics.