Documentary premieres October 9 at 8 p.m. on KCPT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Griffin Schaetzle

KANSAS CITY, MO (October 5, 2026) – For 60 years, the Kansas City Sports Commission has been making a better Kansas City through sports. Now, a new documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the organization’s six-decade history, exploring the people, moments and vision that helped transform Kansas City into a world-class sports destination.

The documentary traces the Kansas City Sports Commission’s beginnings, when its focus was on helping keep major-league sports in Kansas City, and follows the organization’s evolution as the city’s sports profile continued to grow. From those early efforts to attract and retain professional sports and major events, the story illustrates how sports have played an increasingly important role in shaping Kansas City’s identity, economy and national reputation.

“Commemorating 60 years of the KC Sports Commission is a special opportunity to honor the people, events and milestones that have shaped our organization and our community,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission. “We are proud of the foundation built over the past six decades and the role the Sports Commission has played in making Kansas City a premier sports destination. As we celebrate our history, we also look ahead to the future, building on that legacy and continuing to use the power of sports to make Kansas City an even better place for generations to come.”

Over the course of 60 years, Kansas City has grown from a city fighting to maintain its place on the major-league sports map to a community recognized on the world stage for its passion for sports and ability to host major sporting events. The documentary highlights that journey and the people who helped make it possible, including prominent Kansas City figures such as Clark Hunt, Cliff Illig, Sly James and more. The documentary is narrated by Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Throughout the documentary, the Kansas City Sports Commission continues to reach new heights decade after decade. Professional teams found success in the region, while premier sporting events found a home in Kansas City, including numerous NCAA Championships, the NFL Draft and more. That growth in Kansas City’s sports landscape reaches a historic moment with the city’s selection to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, bringing the world’s largest sporting event to the region. The opportunity represents the culmination of decades of work to establish Kansas City as a premier sports destination and further demonstrates the impact sports can have on a community.

The Kansas City Sports Commission’s 60th anniversary documentary premieres Thursday, October 9, at 8 p.m. on KCPT.

About The Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation 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.