MLS · Western Conference · Kansas City, Kansas, US · Children's Mercy Park
Kansas City Sporting
The club that proved a rebrand and a world-class stadium could resurrect a dying franchise - Sporting Kansas City rose from the ashes of the Wizards era to become one of MLS's model organizations, a heartland powerhouse where the barbecue is legendary and the supporter culture burns just as hot.
Current Leadership
Co-Owner
Cliff Illig, co-founder of healthcare technology company Cerner Corporation, is a key member of the Sporting Kansas City ownership group. Illig played a central role in the development of Children's Mercy Park, the acclaimed soccer-specific stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, and the rebranding from the Kansas City Wizards to Sporting Kansas City in 2011.
Co-Owner
Greg Meier, a Kansas City-based entrepreneur and investor, partnered with Cliff Illig to acquire the franchise in 2006. The duo transformed the club's identity, business operations, and on-field product, culminating in the 2013 MLS Cup championship.
Head Coach
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Raphaël Wicky | Head Coach | 2026 |
Coaching Staff
| Name | Position | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Kerry Zavagnin | Assistant Coach | 2014 |
| Paulo Nagamura | Assistant Coach | 2023 |
| Alec Dufty | Goalkeeping Coach | 2019 |
Historical Figures
Founding Owner
Lamar Hunt, the visionary sports entrepreneur, founded the Kansas City Wiz (later Wizards) as one of MLS's original ten teams in 1996. Hunt's commitment to soccer in America was unmatched, but the club struggled financially and on the field in the early years. After his death in 2006, the Hunt family sold the franchise to the Illig-Meier group.