NWSL: Why have US soccer teams created dedicated stadiums for women’s soccer, and will WSL teams follow suit?

As is the case with WSL clubs, most U.S. teams share the premises of another franchise, whether that be a home stadium for the men’s team or a venue usually reserved for other sports, such as the NFL’s Lumen Field at the Seattle Reign.

Kansas City is bucking the trend, and Gene Millett, president of the Denver Summit, believes it makes financial sense to follow suit.

“A big part of a sustainable business model is controlling revenue streams,” Millett says. “Women were renters and lost those things — food, drinks, parking, rentals, retail.

“It’s very important to run your own playground.”

Having their own stadium has also boosted KC Current’s marketing strategy – something that Kirsten Ross, president of official supporters club The Blue Crew, says has raised the profile of the team significantly.

“[The club] “Do a really good job of stepping up for the team when they play,” she says.

“Before, people had no idea Kansas City FC existed. Now you can’t walk anywhere without knowing there’s a KC Current game.”

Chris Long says the custom-designed stadium brings out the best in players — after all, Kansas City dominated the 2025 regular season and won the NFL Bowl by 21 points, even if it lost in the playoffs.

“It’s a sense of belonging,” he says. “If you’re a renter, the schedule doesn’t depend on you…You put your stuff in the dressing room but you have to take it out because it’s temporary.”

“You feel like a visitor is in your home. We didn’t want that,” Jameson adds.