About this episode

This episode explores Lamar Hunt's pivotal role in the development of professional soccer in the United States, leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

As the United States prepares for the 2026 World Cup, it's hard to remember that professional soccer in this country once felt like an impossible dream. But one Kansas City businessman, better known as the founder of the Chiefs, was a steadfast believer.From the failed attempts at a national league, through the creation of MLS and the very first U.S. soccer stadium — Lamar Hunt was there. Suzanne Hogan brings us the second installment of our mini-series on Kansas City’s soccer history.

People in this episode

Host: Suzanne Hogan

Topics covered

• soccer history
• Lamar Hunt
• MLS
• Kansas City
• 2026 World Cup
• sports business

Keywords

• Lamar Hunt
• soccer
• MLS
• Kansas City
• 2026 World Cup
• sports history
• Chiefs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: MLS, Chiefs

Places: Kansas City

More episodes of A People's History of Kansas City

• Kansas City’s Flood of 1951 · August 25, 2026 · 29 min
• The marvelous Maud Wagner, the tattooed lady of Kansas · July 17, 2026 · 32 min
• America's favorite popsicle: the Bomb Pop · June 25, 2026 · 28 min
• Why Kansas City won the World Cup · May 27, 2026 · 39 min
• Carving Kansas City out from limestone · April 29, 2026 · 38 min
• How women made the U.S. a soccer powerhouse · March 25, 2026 · 42 min

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