Kansas City Wizards was a professional soccer team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The team was founded in 1996 and was a member of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top professional soccer league in the United States. The team played its home games at Arrowhead Stadium and was known for its passionate fan base and competitive play. The team had a number of successful seasons in the MLS, reaching the playoffs multiple times and winning the MLS Cup in 2000. In 2010, the team changed its name to Sporting Kansas City and moved to a new soccer-specific stadium in the city. The team continues to be successful and has won the MLS Cup three times since the name change, in 2012, 2015, and 2018.
Throughout its history, Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City has been known for its strong defense and midfield play, and has featured a number of talented players, including Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Benny Feilhaber. The team has also had a number of successful coaches, including Peter Vermes, who has led the team to its three MLS Cup titles.
Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City has a long-standing rivalry with the Chicago Fire, and the two teams have faced off in a number of memorable matches over the years. The team has also developed rivalries with other MLS teams, such as the Houston Dynamo and the Colorado Rapids. Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City has a strong following in the Kansas City area and beyond, and the team's matches are often well-attended and highly anticipated events.