The Kansas City Wizards history traces the club’s rise from its MLS founding to modern success. This Kansas City Wizards MLS legacy shows how the Kansas City Wizards soccer team built a proud tradition, developed local talent, and created a passionate fan culture that continues to define the club today.
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
Wizards - When it comes to sports fandom, few cities can match the passion of Kansas City. The city is home to some of the most devoted fans in professional sports, and they are incredibly passionate about their beloved MLS team: the Kansas City Wizards. But where did this unique nickname come from?
Kansas City Wizards Origin
The original name for the franchise was actually “Kansas City Wiz” – a play on words that alluded to both Wizardry (as in magic) and Wizards (a type of soccer move). This clever dual-meaning moniker was so popular with local supporters that when Major League Soccer began operations in 1996, they decided to keep it as part of their official branding.
Since then, many aspects have changed about this storied club, but one thing has remained constant: its commitment to providing an entertaining and exciting soccer brand for its loyal fan base. With a new stadium set for completion next year and plenty more success on tap down at Children's Mercy Park, there's no doubt that Kansas City will continue being one proud home for some truly magical moments!
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
- 1997
- 2000
- 2000
- 2004
- 2005
- 2008
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New Name for the Wiz
The team officially extended its name to “Wizards” following the 1996 season, ending the short, but memorable, life of the “Wiz” moniker. In 1997, the re-christened Wizards finished 21-11 and atop the Western Conference, but surprisingly bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. Preki led MLS in scoring with 41 points and was named League MVP. He was ... -
Wizards club won its first Supporters’ Shield
In 2000: The club also won its first Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best record in MLS. Tony Meola was named MLS Cup MVP, League MVP, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year. Peter Vermes won MLS Defender of the Year, and Bob Gansler was named MLS Coach of the Year. Both Vermes and Meola ... -
MLS Champs in 2000 – Wizards
In 2000, their first full season under Bob Gansler, the Wizards opened the season on a 12-game unbeaten streak. Goalkeeper Tony Meola recorded an MLS record shutout streak at 681 minutes and 16 shutouts and won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS MVP. Peter Vermes was named 2000 MLS Defender of the Year. The Wizards finished the 2000 regular season ... -
KC Wizards Won first U.S. Open Cup
In 2004: The club had a successful season, winning its first U.S. Open Cup, defeating Chicago Fire 1–0 at Arrowhead Stadium with Lamar Hunt in attendance. The club also reached its second MLS Cup final, but lost to D.C. United 3–2 at Home Depot Center -
KC Wizards club traded Josh Wolff to Chicago Fire
In 2005: The KC Wizards club traded Josh Wolff, its all-time leading scorer, to Chicago Fire in exchange for Diego Gutierrez and an allocation -
Kansas City Wizards club hired Curt Onalfo as the new head coach
In 2008: The Kansas City Wizards club hired Curt Onalfo as the new head coach and signed Claudio López as its first designated player.
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 Wizards History
The Kansas City Wizards soccer team has been part of Major League Soccer (MLS) since the league’s inaugural season in 1996. Founded as one of the original ten MLS clubs, the team quickly built a loyal following in Kansas City, Missouri. The Kansas City Wizards history began at Arrowhead Stadium before moving to the state-of-the-art Children’s Mercy Park years later.
Throughout their journey, the Kansas City Wizards MLS story has included both challenges and triumphs. In their early years, the club showed promise but often struggled with consistency. However, under head coach Bob Gansler, the Kansas City Wizards soccer team achieved a breakthrough moment in 2000. That year, they won the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, marking one of the most successful seasons in the team’s history.
Building on that success, the Kansas City Wizards history featured more silverware soon after. In 2004, the team captured the U.S. Open Cup by defeating the Chicago Fire 1–0 in the final. This victory cemented the Kansas City Wizards MLS reputation as a competitive and resilient side. During this era, standout players like Preki, Tony Meola, and Kerry Zavagnin helped elevate the team’s status in American soccer.
Wizards Achievements
From 1999 to 2004, the Kansas City Wizards soccer team regularly qualified for the MLS playoffs, showcasing steady progress and strong leadership. Although they experienced ups and downs in the following years, the franchise continued to develop talent and maintain a strong fan connection. In 2011, the club rebranded as Sporting Kansas City, marking a new era in Kansas City Wizards history and carrying forward the same winning spirit.
In later years, the Kansas City Wizards MLS legacy extended through consistent playoff appearances and additional trophies. The rebranded club won the U.S. Open Cup in 2012, 2015, and 2017, proving that the foundation built during the Wizards era remained strong. Fans still honor the early Kansas City Wizards soccer team for laying the groundwork that helped shape one of MLS’s most respected franchises.
The Kansas City Wizards history also includes remarkable individual achievements. Players like Preki won league MVP twice, while Tony Meola earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors. These legends helped define the Kansas City Wizards MLS identity during its formative years.
Overall, the Kansas City Wizards soccer team remains a cornerstone of early American soccer history. Their passionate supporters, historic victories, and lasting influence continue to shape the club’s identity and legacy within Major League Soccer.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history