Sporting KC Undergoes Massive Offseason Overhaul

New ownership, front office, coaching staff, and roster as club aims to 'burn it all down' and rebuild

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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After years of declining performance and fan frustration, Sporting KC has undergone an unprecedented level of changes this offseason, including a new majority owner, president of soccer operations/GM, sporting director, head coach and entire coaching staff, and the departure of all but four players from the roster just two years ago. The club is attempting what may be the most comprehensive rebuild in the history of professional sports as it looks to turn the page and start fresh.

Why it matters

Sporting KC was once the toast of MLS, but had slowly fallen from glory in recent years as results declined and fan engagement waned. The club's leadership recognized the need for a complete overhaul in order to get the organization back on track and regain the trust of its supporters.

The details

The changes at Sporting KC include: a new majority owner, a new president of soccer operations/GM, a new sporting director, a new head coach and his entire coaching staff (except for one assistant), a completely new coaching staff for the club's USL team, and the departure of all but four players from the roster just two years ago. This level of turnover across the entire organization is unprecedented in professional sports.

  • Sporting KC made these sweeping changes ahead of the 2026 MLS season.

The players

Jake Reid

Sporting KC President & CEO, who recently won MLS Executive of the Year and will remain with the club.

Stephen Afrifa

One of only four players remaining on Sporting KC's roster from two years ago, now the third most tenured player on the team.

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What they’re saying

“If you felt the owners weren't spending enough money, they got a new owner. They were too entrenched with Peter Vermes? He's gone. Three whole entire people replaced him, bringing a hierarchy and accountability to the front office. An old regime of aging players making too much money? They're all gone.”

— Cody Bradley, Writer (kcsoccerjournal.com)

What’s next

Sporting KC faces a long rebuild process and may struggle again this season with so many new faces, but the club is now in a better position to turn things around with a clean slate and fresh leadership across the organization.

The takeaway

Sporting KC's unprecedented level of changes this offseason, including new ownership, front office, coaching staff, and roster, represents a bold attempt to 'burn it all down' and rebuild the club from the ground up in order to regain its past glory and reconnect with its frustrated fan base.