Impact of Celebrity Ownership

In order to enter the sports market, you need high-caliber ownership and name recognition. With Chris and Angie Long and Brittany and Patrick Mahomes, the KC Current has the full package. While the Longs are business savvy and investment-focused, the Mahomeses offer endless marketing opportunities given their status and fame.

Photo Credits: https://www.kansascitycurrent.com/news/kansas-city-current-announce-patrick-mahomes-as-new-club-co-owne

To ramp up marketing efforts in the early stages of the Current’s development, the Longs reached out to Kansas City celebrity, Brittney Mahomes, who immediately expressed interest in joining the franchise. After playing college soccer at the University of Texas at Tyler, Mahomes played in a professional league in Iceland. She moved to Kansas City in support of her husband, Patrick Mahomes, who was a three-time Super Bowl winner and quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Being the quarterback, Patrick Mahomes arguably receives the most recognition of any player on the Chiefs. Therefore, the Longs found value in attaching a name like ‘Mahomes’ to their new franchise and were eager to get the couple involved. Later, Brittney Mahomes encouraged her husband, Patrick Mahomes, to buy into ownership of the team. As of 2022, Patrick Mahomes became a co-owner alongside his wife and the Longs.

Due to their status, the Mahomeses bring extensive publicity to the team. As a result, sponsors follow, and the team reaps the benefits. Using the Current as an example of success, other NWSL teams should consider pitching developing teams to famous individuals or well-known investors. This brings in people who are not traditional soccer fans but want to see their idols succeed.

Source: Carlisle “Kansas City Current’s New NWSL Playbook: A $135M Investment in the Future.