Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is confusing his ownership pursuits with a venture into the WNBA. During Thursday’s press conference, he addressed the recent report that he wants a WNBA franchise in Kansas City.
“We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general, and then WNBA and the success that they’ve had these last few seasons; it’s kind of a no-brainer,” said Mahomes. “I mean, to try to get a WNBA team in Kansas City to this fan base, and you see it with if you talk about Kansas University, Kansas basketball, the Chiefs, the city of Kansas City is going to come out, and they’re going to fill the stadium.”
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report detailed Mahomes’ and his ownership group’s recent interest in a potential WNBA franchise coming to Kansas City after the recent success of the playoff-bound KC Current in the NWSL.
“So it was cool that we were able to get this women’s soccer team here in the (KC) Current. They’re going into the playoffs now, and you see the support that they have,” said Mahomes. “So let’s try to get a WNBA team in here as well, and kind of the same type of ownership group, and they’ve done the current the right way. I want to continue to work with them to take that next step in the WNBA.”
For years, Mahomes has been vocal about attracting more professional sports franchises to Kansas City, including an NBA franchise, for temporary accommodations during the Toronto Raptors’ COVID-19 restrictions season in 2021.
“Kansas City is such a great place for me; it’s a place that I call home, it’s a place that I built a house at, and that I’ll be for a long, long time,” said Mahomes. “So I think being involved in the community as much as possible, and I love sports. I know how much the city loves sports, so let’s bring as many sports in here and showcase how great Kansas City is, not only as a city but the people in the city as well.”
After taking business classes and working with groups to join ownership of several sports franchises, Mahomes hopes his efforts will encourage young girls, including his daughter, to get involved in sports.
“It started early with the Royals and Sporting Kansas City and the Current, and now hopefully, we will get this WNBA team here. It’s for life after football,” said Mahomes. “So I can still make an impact in all sports, and then, that same time, showcase to my daughter that she can follow her dream and go out there next game. Whatever that dream is.”