NWSL: Why US soccer franchises have bespoke women’s football stadiums, and will WSL teams follow suit?
Like with WSL clubs, most US teams share another franchise’s premises, be it a men’s team’s ground or a venue usually reserved for other sports, such as NFL stadium Lumen Field for Seattle Reign.
Kansas City buck this trend, and Denver Summit president Jen Millet believes it makes financial sense to follow suit.
“A big part of a sustainable business model is controlling revenue streams,” Millet says. “Women have been tenants and missed out on those things – food, beverage, parking, rentals, retail.
“It’s massively important to operate your own stadium.”
Having their own venue has also enhanced KC Current’s marketing strategy – something Kirsten Ross, president of official supporters’ club The Blue Crew, says has greatly raised the team’s profile.
“[The club] do a really good job of ramping up when the team is playing,” she says.
“Previously, people had no idea FC Kansas City existed. Now you can’t walk anywhere without knowing there’s a game for KC Current.”
Chris Long argues a bespoke stadium brings the best out of players – after all, Kansas City dominated the 2025 regular season and won the NWSL Shield by 21 points, even if they lost in the play-offs.
“It’s the feeling of belonging,” he says. “If you’re a tenant, the schedule isn’t based on you… you put your stuff in the locker room but have to take it out because it’s temporary.”
Jemison adds: “You feel like a visitor in your own home. We didn’t want that.”
