Kansas City, MO, January 16, 2026
The Kansas City Current has announced its 2026 regular season schedule, showcasing 30 matches, with 15 home games at CPKC Stadium. This development highlights the city’s growing sports landscape and economic vitality driven by private investments. The season kicks off at home against the Utah Royals, with an exciting lineup of matches that promise to engage local fans. CPKC Stadium, funded primarily through private capital, is set to play a crucial role in Kansas City’s ongoing urban development and economic growth.
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City Current Reveals 2026 Regular Season Schedule, Igniting Local Excitement
Kansas City’s reputation as a dynamic hub for sports and entrepreneurial vigor continues to strengthen with the recent announcement of the Kansas City Current’s 2026 regular season schedule. This news not only excites soccer enthusiasts but also underscores the city’s ongoing economic vitality, fueled by strategic private investments and a flourishing local business ecosystem. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season promises a thrilling slate of matches, showcasing Kansas City’s commitment to professional sports and its broader economic growth.
The release of the schedule for the 2025 NWSL Shield winner, Kansas City Current, highlights a burgeoning era for the city. With 30 regular season matches on the calendar, including 15 home games at the cutting-edge CPKC Stadium, the league’s expansion to 16 clubs demonstrates a nationwide surge in interest in women’s professional sports. This expansion, and the associated infrastructure development, are testaments to the power of private enterprise and community vision in driving economic advancement.
A Season of Homegrown Spirit and Strategic Growth
The 2026 regular season for the Kansas City Current is set to kick off at home against the Utah Royals on Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m. CT at CPKC Stadium. This stadium, a pioneering facility built specifically for a professional women’s sports team, exemplifies innovative private investment in local infrastructure. The schedule also features key matchups against teams like Gotham FC on April 4 and Boston Legacy FC on May 30, offering numerous opportunities for local fans to engage with the team.
The NWSL will observe a pause in June to accommodate the men’s FIFA World Cup, with matches resuming on July 3. During this period, the NWSL Challenge Cup will take place on June 26 in Columbus, Ohio, featuring the Kansas City Current and 2025 NWSL champion Gotham FC. This strategic scheduling ensures broad exposure for the league while allowing for global sports events.
CPKC Stadium: A Beacon of Private Investment and Community Development
CPKC Stadium stands as a significant achievement in Kansas City, Missouri. This 11,500-capacity stadium was almost entirely financed through private funds, totaling approximately $117 million. Since its opening, it has consistently sold out every home match, demonstrating strong community support and a clear return on private investment. The stadium’s success extends beyond game days, with plans to serve as the hub for a larger Missouri River waterfront development.
This broader development project, anticipated to exceed $800 million in total investment with over $200 million in private funds guaranteed, aims to create a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. It will include residential units, public recreation areas, and restaurants, connecting downtown Kansas City to its riverfront. This initiative underscores how entrepreneurial vision and private capital can transform urban landscapes, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Economic Impact and the Flourishing Sports Landscape
The Kansas City Current and CPKC Stadium are powerful contributors to the regional economy. An economic impact study projected that the stadium and team operations would generate over $60 million in total economic output annually for the State of Missouri and more than $700 million over a 30-year period for Kansas City, MO. This includes the creation of over 1,450 full- and part-time jobs and more than $50 million in annual wages.
Beyond the Current, Kansas City is experiencing a broader sports-driven economic boom. The Kansas City Chiefs’ economic impact for the region was nearly $1 billion in 2023, supporting approximately 5,860 jobs annually. Furthermore, major events like the 2023 NFL Draft generated $164.3 million for the city. The city is also home to other professional teams, such as the KC Diamonds, Kansas City’s first professional softball team, further diversifying the sports entertainment offerings and contributing to local economic activity.
The investment in sports facilities and teams, largely driven by private funding and local entrepreneurial spirit, creates a vibrant environment that attracts visitors, generates tax revenue, and supports numerous small businesses, from hospitality to retail. This proactive approach to economic development through diverse avenues, including professional sports, solidifies Kansas City’s position as a dynamic metropolitan area.
Broader Economic Indicators and Future Outlook
Kansas City’s economy is characterized by its diversity, with no single sector dominating employment. The metropolitan area is recognized for its strong industries in trade, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. The region also stands out as a growing hub for startups and entrepreneurs, drawn by a talented workforce and competitive operational costs. With a low unemployment rate of 3.5% as of November 2025 (preliminary), the city demonstrates resilience and continued growth.
Missouri and Kansas actively support business growth through various tax incentives, including corporate income tax credits and property tax abatements, which encourage companies to invest and create jobs in the area. This collaborative environment between public policy and private initiative fosters a climate where businesses can thrive and contribute to a robust local economy.
Conclusion
The release of the Kansas City Current’s 2026 regular season schedule is more than just a sports announcement; it is a reaffirmation of Kansas City, MO’s, entrepreneurial drive and economic momentum. The continued private investment in world-class facilities like CPKC Stadium, coupled with the flourishing professional sports landscape, creates a powerful engine for job creation, community engagement, and regional prosperity. This strategic blend of local innovation, private capital, and a supportive business environment positions Kansas City for sustained growth and success. We encourage all residents and visitors to support the Kansas City Current and other local businesses, investing in the continued vibrancy of our community and shaping Kansas City’s bright economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kansas City Current’s 2026 regular season schedule?
The Kansas City Current will play 30 regular season matches in 2026, with 15 home games at CPKC Stadium. The season begins on Saturday, March 14, at 3 p.m. CT at home against the Utah Royals. The regular season concludes on November 1.
Where will the Kansas City Current play their home games in 2026?
The Kansas City Current will play their 2026 home games at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, which is the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team.
What is the economic impact of the Kansas City Current and CPKC Stadium on the region?
An economic impact study estimated that the operations of CPKC Stadium and the Kansas City Current team will generate over $60 million in total economic output annually for the State of Missouri and more than $700 million for Kansas City, MO, over a 30-year period. This includes the creation of over 1,450 full- and part-time jobs and more than $50 million in annual wages.
When is the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2026?
The 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup, featuring the 2025 NWSL Shield winner Kansas City Current and 2025 NWSL champion Gotham FC, is scheduled for Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m. CT in Columbus, Ohio.
What is the significance of CPKC Stadium’s development?
CPKC Stadium is notable for being almost entirely financed through private funds, costing approximately $117 million. It serves as a hub for a larger Missouri River waterfront development project, which is anticipated to exceed $800 million in total investment and aims to create a mixed-use neighborhood with residential units, public spaces, and restaurants.
Key Features of the Kansas City Current’s 2026 Season and Local Impact
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Regular Season Matches | 30 matches in total, with 15 home games. | Local |
| Home Opener | Saturday, March 14, 3 p.m. CT vs. Utah Royals at CPKC Stadium. | Local |
| CPKC Stadium | First stadium in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team, 11,500 capacity, almost entirely privately financed at approximately $117 million. | Nationwide, Local |
| Economic Output (Annual) | Over $60 million for the State of Missouri. | State-level |
| Economic Output (30-Year) | Over $700 million for Kansas City, MO. | Local |
| Job Creation | Over 1,450 full- and part-time jobs annually for the State of Missouri. | State-level |
| Annual Wages | Over $50 million annually for the State of Missouri. | State-level |
| NWSL Challenge Cup | June 26, vs. Gotham FC in Columbus, Ohio. | Nationwide |
| Riverfront Development | Over $800 million total investment, more than $200 million private funding for a mixed-use neighborhood around CPKC Stadium. | Local |
