Patrick Mahomes’ Dream of Bringing a WNBA Team to Kansas City Delayed, But Hope Remains Strong

On August 6, 2025, the sports world buzzed with the latest developments regarding Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and his ambitious vision to expand professional women’s basketball to the City of Fountains. Although Mahomes has been a transformative figure in Kansas City’s sports landscape, his hope to bring a WNBA franchise to his hometown will have to wait a bit longer.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes: Changing Kansas City’s Sports Scene

Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany have become more than just familiar faces in the sports world—they are influential stakeholders in Kansas City’s sports community. Besides leading the Chiefs as one of the NFL’s brightest stars, Patrick and Brittany hold ownership stakes in multiple local teams. They are co-owners of the Kansas City Current, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), showcasing their commitment to growing women’s sports in the region. Additionally, Patrick is involved with the Kansas City Royals (MLB) and the Kansas City soccer club (MLS).

This family’s deep involvement with Kansas City sports demonstrates their passion and long-term vision for the city. Their efforts have already made Kansas City a vibrant sports hub. Now, Patrick Mahomes aims to further elevate the city by helping bring a WNBA franchise to Kansas City.

The Vision: WNBA in Kansas City

Back in October, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Teicher, Patrick Mahomes openly described bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City as “obvious.” His belief in the city’s readiness to embrace women’s professional basketball has been clear. Kansas City has a rich sports history, a dedicated fan base, and the infrastructure needed to support professional teams. Mahomes’s stature and influence have the potential to accelerate this vision.

The WNBA’s presence in Kansas City would mark a historic milestone. It would offer fans another high-level sports option while giving female athletes a platform to shine in a city known for its passionate sports culture.

Setback: WNBA Expansion Goes Elsewhere for Now

Despite the optimism and Mahomes’s vocal support, the latest WNBA expansion announcement brought some disappointment to Kansas City fans. On Monday, the league declared it has awarded expansion rights to three other cities: Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

The plan is for Cleveland’s team to debut in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Additionally, Toronto and Portland have been granted commercial rights to join the league as early as next year, in 2026. This move signals the league’s commitment to expanding but delays Kansas City’s entry into the WNBA family.

A City with a Sports History and Ambition

Kansas City’s sports history is rich but also marked by teams moving away. The city previously hosted the Kansas City Scouts, an NHL team that relocated and eventually became the New Jersey Devils. Similarly, the Kansas City Kings of the NBA moved to Sacramento in 1985, where they continue to play today.

Despite these losses, Kansas City has kept its sports spirit alive. The Chiefs have become a national powerhouse, fueled by Mahomes’s phenomenal talent. The Royals have a loyal fan base, and the arrival of the Kansas City Current has injected new energy into women’s sports locally.

Mahomes’s dream to bring WNBA basketball to the city reflects this broader desire to restore Kansas City’s reputation as a city that supports and grows professional sports teams of all kinds.

What’s Next for Mahomes and the Chiefs?

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a critical year. After a crushing 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, the Chiefs are focused on redemption.

Their season will kick off on September 5 with an exciting matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, a key AFC West rival. This game will take place at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the first NFL International Series game hosted in Brazil in 2025. Last year, the inaugural NFL game in Brazil saw the Eagles defeat the Green Bay Packers at the same venue, highlighting the NFL’s expanding global footprint.

Mahomes and the Chiefs will be under intense pressure to perform, seeking to prove that they remain championship contenders. Meanwhile, Mahomes’s off-field ambitions, such as growing the WNBA footprint in Kansas City, continue to highlight his role as a leader in both sports and community development.

The Broader Picture: Growing Women’s Sports

The WNBA’s decision to expand in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia highlights the league’s broader strategic growth across the U.S. These cities are seen as emerging or established sports markets with potential fan bases ready to embrace women’s basketball.

For Kansas City, the delay is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity to strengthen local support, improve infrastructure, and build momentum. With the Mahomes family’s backing, Kansas City’s case for a WNBA team remains strong.

Patrick and Brittany’s involvement with the Kansas City Current has already shown their commitment to women’s sports, helping the NWSL team thrive. This experience will be invaluable when they renew efforts to bring WNBA basketball to the city in the future.

Fans and Community: Holding on to Hope

Kansas City’s passionate sports fans have had plenty to celebrate recently, but the WNBA expansion delay brings mixed emotions. Supporters of the sport remain hopeful that Mahomes’s vision will become a reality soon.

Social media is buzzing with comments from fans who believe Kansas City is more than ready for a WNBA team. Many point out the city’s strong basketball culture, the growing interest in women’s sports, and Mahomes’s unique ability to rally support.

Final Thoughts

While the wait for a WNBA franchise in Kansas City continues, Patrick Mahomes’s efforts reflect the power of athletes using their platform for community impact. His vision extends beyond football, embracing the growth of women’s sports and the empowerment of female athletes.

Kansas City remains a city with deep sports roots and boundless potential. With Mahomes leading the charge both on and off the field, the dream of a WNBA team joining the City of Fountains may just be on the horizon.