The Kansas City Wiz history began in 1996 as one of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer. The team, later known as the Kansas City Wizard, played a vital role in the growth of the Kansas City Wizards MLS era. Their early achievements and strong fan support helped establish Kansas City as a key city in American soccer.
Established
1995
City
Kansas City
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2010 – Present / Sporting Kansas City
1997 - 2009 / Kansas City Wizards
1996 / Kansas City Wiz
Nickname
Wiz - Kansas City is home to one of the country's most beloved Major League Soccer (MLS) teams – The Kansas City Wiz. But where did this unique nickname come from? Let’s take a look at its origins and Kansas City Wiz history to find out!
Kansas City Wiz Origin
The team was founded in 1996 when MLS first began operations. At that time, they were known as “The Wiz” as an homage to their local sponsor, The Wizard Superstore chain of electronics stores. As part of the deal with Wizard Superstores, any player who scored a goal during a game would be awarded free electronic equipment from them!
In 1997 however, Wizards owner Lamar Hunt wanted something more original for his team name than just “Wiz,” so he held an online poll asking fans what they thought should be changed. After thousands voted on various terms including "Heat," "Revolution," and even "Scorpions," ultimately, it was decided that “Wizards” would become their official moniker instead - thus making Kansas City's soccer team officially known as The Kansas City Wizards!
While some may not have been thrilled about having such an unoriginal name for their beloved squad back then (mainly since other cities had already used similar ones like D.C United), today, many sports fans associate this unique nickname solely with KC's very own MLS club which makes it all worthwhile in retrospect. Nowadays, no matter how far away you are or how long it's been since your last visit – if someone mentions 'the wizards, ' you automatically know they're talking about our hometown heroes here in KC!
Championship
MLS Cups 1
2013, 2000
Stadium
2011 – Present / Children's Mercy Park
2008 - 2010 / Community American Ballpark
1996 - 2007 / Arrowhead Stadium
Owner
2006 - Present / Sporting Club
1995 – 2006 / Lamar Hunt
- 1996
- 1996
- 1996
- 1996
- 1996
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Kansas City Wiz Charter MLS Member
Kansas City was introduced as one of the 10 charter members of MLS on June 6, 1995. Four months later, the league unveiled the nicknames, logos, and uniform designs for the franchises, including the Kansas City Wiz. -
Ron Newman, first coach of Kansas City Wiz
In 1996: The Kansas City Wiz club’s players included Preki, Mo Johnston and Digital Takawira, and were coached by Ron Newman. -
KC Wiz club’s highest scoring game
The club’s highest-scoring game, a 6–4 win over Columbus Crew at Arrowhead Stadium on May 2, 1996, with goals from Mark Chung, Mo Johnston (2), Preki (2) and Mike Sorber -
KC Wiz’s first ever game and win
The club’s first ever game and win, a 3–0 victory over Colorado Rapids at Arrowhead Stadium on April 13, 1996, with goals from Digital Takawira (2) and Frank Klopas. -
KC Wiz club’s first league MVP award – won by Preki
The club’s first league MVP award, won by Preki, who led the league in scoring with 18 goals and 13 assists2. Preki also scored the club’s first ever hat-trick in a 4–1 win over San Jose Clash on August 15, 1996.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Kansas City Wiz History
The Kansas City Wiz history dates back to 1995 when the club was introduced as one of Major League Soccer’s original teams. Known today as Sporting Kansas City, the franchise quickly became a defining presence in American soccer. From its beginnings, the Kansas City Wizard team helped shape the league’s foundation and strengthen the popularity of professional soccer in the Midwest.
During their inaugural MLS season in 1996, the Kansas City Wiz finished with a 10–14 record but managed to reach the playoffs, a strong achievement for a new club. In the following years, they became recognized for their competitive play and talented roster. Players such as Preki, Mo Johnston, and Tony Meola brought energy and skill to the Kansas City Wizards MLS scene, helping the team earn early respect.
The Kansas City Wiz later rebranded as the Kansas City Wizards, marking the beginning of an era filled with growth and memorable moments. One of the most iconic highlights came in 2001 when Preki scored his legendary bicycle kick goal against the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The Kansas City Wizard also witnessed Eddie Johnson’s record-setting four-goal performance in a single game against the Dallas Burn in 2003—an achievement that remains one of the greatest moments in MLS history.
Wiz Achievements
Despite facing challenges and falling short in a few MLS Cup finals, the Kansas City Wizards MLS team earned multiple honors, including three U.S. Open Cup titles between 1997 and 2004. Their commitment to excellence built a loyal fan base and positioned Kansas City as one of the league’s strongest soccer communities.
In 2011, under new ownership led by Robb Heineman, the team transitioned from the Kansas City Wizard identity to Sporting Kansas City, signaling a new chapter of innovation and success. Two years later, they achieved a remarkable double—winning both the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in 2013.
Since then, Sporting Kansas City has remained one of the most consistent contenders in Major League Soccer. They have earned multiple playoff appearances and added another U.S. Open Cup title in 2017. The Kansas City Wiz history continues to shine as a symbol of resilience, passion, and excellence, proving that the legacy of the Kansas City Wizards MLS and the Kansas City Wizard franchise remains deeply rooted in American soccer’s success story.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history