On Monday, it was announced that a group led by Angie and Chris Long and includes the finance of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Matthews–herself a former soccer player have purchased an expansion team to begin play in Kansas City next year. The move also completes the winding down of the Utah Royals, who moved from Kansas City after the 2017 season.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our league, and I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Kansas City back to the NWSL,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. “Kansas City is a soccer-rich community, and this fantastic ownership group is ready and able to commit the resources necessary for this club to be a massive success. I’d also like to thank the fans in Utah for their incredible support of the NWSL.”
“Chris and I could not be more ecstatic to welcome a team back to Kansas City, especially as the league has been transformed by innovative leadership and explosive growth. We are committed to getting this right – for our team and our town,” said Angie Long. “We can’t wait for the players and the country to see what we have long known: there’s something special about living in Kansas City and something even more special about playing here.”
In addition to Ms. Matthews, the Longs lead an ownership group comprised mostly of female industry leaders, including marketing and creative executive Jen Gulvik, who serves as the new NWSL Kansas City team president.
“As a former collegiate and professional soccer player, I have a true level of appreciation for what these incredible women do on a daily basis. I am honored to be part of an amazing ownership group that is passionate about the game and eager to welcome a NWSL team back to Kansas City,” said Matthews. “We have the greatest fans and community here in KC and I can’t wait to huddle around this team – we want more championship parades in the very near future!”
The new Kansas City club will assume all player rights, draft picks, and certain other assets formerly held by Utah Royals FC will be transferred to the new team in Kansas City. They have already hired Huw Williams to be the new coach. Williams was general manager of FC Kansas City and with now-US Women’s National Team coach Vlatko Andonovski led the team to back-to-back league titles in 2014 and 2015.
“I’m thrilled and humbled to have earned the trust of the Long family and their ownership group, and look forward to representing our city and our players in the NWSL. I’ve long admired Angie and Chris not only professionally, but as friends. They bring a drive to succeed and a commitment to providing all the tools we need to deliver for our players and their fans,” said Coach Williams, “I’m excited to work with all the players, and to reconnect with those I already know. In a league full of talent, it’s no surprise this roster is stacked with incredible athletes. I can’t wait to get started.”
The NWSL Kansas City club will have further public announcements related to its name, branding, and training and competition venues, in the coming weeks. For more information, visit www.kcwoso.com
