KANSAS CITY, MO (November 8, 2026) – Today, the KC Sports Commission celebrates the 15th anniversary of Kathy Nelson’s appointment as President and CEO. Under Kathy’s leadership, Kansas City has hosted numerous high-profile professional and amateur sporting events, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact for the region. These accomplishments have elevated Kansas City’s profile on the global stage, earning the region global recognition as a premier sports destination.
"For nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Kathy’s leadership firsthand through the Kansas City Sports Commission and her work to make the KC Marathon, Big 12 Tournament, 2023 NFL Draft, FIFA World Cup 2026 and countless other events possible,” said Bruce Miller, Global Chair and CEO of Populous and Board Chair of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “She has a remarkable ability to unite civic leaders, businesses, teams, community members and volunteers around a shared belief in what Kansas City can accomplish. Over the last 15 years, our city’s standing as a leading sports destination is a testament to Kathy’s vision and passion for our community.”
“She loves Kansas City. She understands the big picture that sports are a platform for making this city a better place for all its citizens,” said John Sherman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas City Royals. “She’s shared that if we don’t present ourselves in a way that makes people want to come back after a major event, we probably haven’t done our job. Having someone who thinks strategically like that is something I really value as a sports fan here in Kansas City.”
In recent years, notable events secured and hosted under Kathy’s leadership by the KC Sports Commission include:
FIFA World Cup 2026
2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship
2025 Women’s Sports Awards featuring Caitlin Clark
2024 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships
2023 NFL Draft
Over the course of her leadership, Kathy has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the following: Kansas Citian of the Year (2025), Sports ETA Sports Commission of the Year (2025), Sports ETA Executive of the Year (2024), GKCAA Individual Achievement Award (2024), MARC Regional Leadership Award (2022), Lieutenant Governor’s Women of Achievement (2022), and induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2020).
“It has been an incredible privilege to lead the KC Sports Commission over the past 15 years and to be part of Kansas City’s remarkable evolution as a premier sports destination,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission. “What makes this journey so special are the people, partnerships and community pride that make it all possible. Every major event we bring to Kansas City represents an opportunity to showcase our city, create lasting economic impact and leave a legacy that extends well beyond the competition. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead for Kansas City.”
About The KC Sports Commission
The mission of the KC Sports Commission is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.