FC Kansas City To Launch This Spring

North American Backed League to Feature Best Women’s Soccer Players in the World

Prairie Village, KS – The President of US Soccer, Sunil Gulati, announced today the formation of a new Women’s Professional Soccer League.  The league will consist of eight teams, including the newly formed FC Kansas City.  A 22-game schedule for each team will begin in the Spring of 2024.

The KC ownership group is being led by Chris Likens, his two sons Brad and Greg Likens along with Brian Budzinski.  A women’s professional soccer team was something the Likens family had been pursuing for some time, just looking for the right opportunity.  The development of this league, with participants such as US Soccer, the fact that it includes Canada and Mexico, makes this league unique in the sports world.

Fans of the newly formed league can expect to see players from the United States Women’s Senior National Team, Canadian Soccer Association and Mexican Football Federation player pools, as well as the best female players from across the globe.  US Soccer, Canadian Soccer Association and Mexican Football Federation have all pledged to support this venture with player funding for their senior national team members.  Each team could have, on average, seven players from the three federations.

The new league will prove to be a tremendous opportunity for all of Kansas City, adding another major league franchise to the landscape.  The economic model with financial support from three national governing bodies is unprecedented and built to be a sustainable model going forward.

“The simple fact that this group of teams will collectively include some of the best women soccer players in the world, and provide all fans of soccer the opportunity to see these players play at a very high level is astounding,” said Greg Likens.

“Fans in Kansas City will enjoy seeing the best female athletes the world has to offer on a weekly basis throughout the summer,” said Brian Budzinski.

The league will be run from the US Soccer offices in Chicago.  Eight teams were selected for this inaugural season with teams in Chicago (Red Stars), Boston (Breakers), Western New York (Flash), Washington, DC (DC United Women), New Jersey (Sky Blue FC), Portland, Seattle and Kansas City.

A full transcription and recording of today’s announcement from US Soccer can be found on USSoccer.com.  FC Kansas City will hold a press conference in the next several weeks to announce more details about the team.  All media inquiries can be directed to Jeff Husted at 913-742-7050 x7208 or jhusted@kcarenasports.com.

FC Kansas City, representing the highest level of Women’s Professional Soccer in the world, will begin play in Spring 2024.