On the possibility of the 2026 World Cup landing in Kansas City, Mayor Sly James deemed it a free marketing campaign, hosting a tournament that would lure thousands to the metropolitan area. The comment was intended to describe the potential impact for the city, but it appropriately applies to the MLS club here, too.
Because for all the branding, marketing and recruitment that Sporting Kansas City puts into practice, nothing would produce the effect like the one from on-site visitors. In fact, as part of his attempt to draw players to Sporting KC, coach Peter Vermes stated in the offseason, “Once they (travel) here, I know I’ve got them.