It looks as if 2024 will be a banner year for women’s sports in KC. Not only will the city be home to the nation’s first stadium devoted entirely to a women’s soccer team, but a local power couple is also bringing a women’s Pro Volleyball Federation team to town.
The nascent all-women’s Pro Volleyball Federation league announced that a new KC franchise to be headed by Kent and Missy McCarthy is in the works. The McCarthys, who are prominent University of Kansas alumni and donors, are not new to sports. They are co-owners of the Kansas City Royals, and their son and daughter currently play in KU’s basketball and volleyball programs, respectively.
“It’s no coincidence we wanted Kansas City to be the home of our professional women’s volleyball team,” Missy says. “Yes, it holds a special place in our hearts, but Kansas City is on the rise. The energy and momentum are electric. You can feel it.” The city was host to the 2023 NFL Draft, and it will host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
“Kansas City is famous for its passionate, welcoming sports fans, and we are thrilled for its franchise to join us in 2025,” says Dave Whinham, the volleyball league’s co-founder. The league’s inaugural season begins this January, debuting with seven teams in seven cities across the country from Atlanta to San Diego.
The KC franchise is still in the very early stages, with a team name, colors and logos yet to be picked, but the announcement is already sparking excitement.
“When I look at the trajectory of women’s sports and how they’ve grown in participation, investment and viewership, I’m proud to say Kansas City is leading the way, and I can’t wait to see the region embrace professional women’s volleyball,” says Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC.
KC is no stranger to the sport. It’s been a Midwest hub for competitive volleyball for years. The Heart of America Volleyball Association, a regional youth volleyball organization based in KC, has over 17,000 club players and 3,000 coaches, sending players to all levels of collegiate volleyball. Kansas City also broke attendance records for highest-attended collegiate volleyball games when they hosted the NCAA Championships in 2017.
The Pro Volleyball Federation is young, but the organization appears to be on the right trajectory, already setting new standards for women’s professional volleyball. With major brand endorsements and sponsorship partners, media companies, and games to be played in state-of-the-art venues across the country, sports fans are sure to witness exciting competition at the highest level. The league has promised a prime sporting experience, bringing together top athletes from around the globe ready to dive across the court and fight for every single point.
“Volleyball is an incredible sport to play and watch,” Missy says, “but there are no real opportunities to play it at its highest level in the United States. Until now.”
