With a generational rookie class featuring stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Rickea Jackson, the WNBA is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. The league has seen a staggering 170% growth compared to last season in terms of audience and viewership, a clear testament to its rising trajectory. Seizing this momentum, the WNBA is gearing up for expansion. While the Golden State Valkyries are set to debut in the 2025 season, more franchises are in the pipeline, and some exciting names make the ownership prospects.

Among the contenders is Kansas City. Reports have it that the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, have been actively meeting with WNBA officials to discuss bringing an expansion team to the city. “Obviously, we want to get basketball in Kansas City in general,” said Mahomes, who already holds stakes in the Kansas City Royals and Sporting Kansas City of the MLS. However, there’s a compelling twist.

Despite being a recurring contender for a professional basketball or hockey franchise, Kansas City’s $406 Million venue has yet to secure a win. The arena has consistently ranked high on lists for expansion opportunities, from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2007 to the Arizona Coyotes in recent years. But it still awaits a team.

WNBA could fill it up, but the Mahomes couple will need to bring in a few changes. Because, while T-Mobile Center already meets 90% of the league’s standards, the remaining 10%—focused on minor cosmetic upgrades—has been a sticking point. But this could soon be changed.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes are determined to change that narrative

Both frequent attendees at Sporting Kansas City matches, the couple is passionate about bolstering the city’s sports landscape. “Whenever I’m done with football—and whenever that is—I want to venture into life after football, chase kids around, and still make an impact in sports,” Mahomes shared. “Hopefully, we can get this WNBA team here, so I can show my daughter that you can chase your dream, whatever that dream may be.”

The WNBA plans to expand by three teams over the next two seasons, with Portland and Toronto already making strides to join, which will bring the league’s total to 15 teams. League commissioner Cathy Engelbert has also revealed plans to add a 16th team by the end of the 2028 season, making Kansas City a key contender.

However, competition is fierce. Cities like St. Louis and Philadelphia are also vying for expansion spots, eager to capitalize on the league’s unprecedented growth. Although Kansas City has the infrastructure for a professional basketball franchise, the T-Mobile Center has primarily served as a venue for concerts and other sporting events.

“They want to expand. Just like any other business, you have to pick and choose how,” Mahomes explained. “We feel like Kansas City is a great place to continue that growth, but we have to battle other cities to show them this is the right place.”

The arena already hosts major events, such as the Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, so addressing the 10% shortfall in WNBA standards shouldn’t be insurmountable. The Mahomes couple is determined to make Kansas City a frontrunner in this race. What do you think—can they turn Kansas City into a WNBA destination?