Presented by POPULOUS
AUGUST 26, 2026
Kansas City Marriott Downtown - Muehlebach Tower
5:30pm - Reception
7:00PM - Program Start
Each year, the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation honors outstanding individuals for their commitment to and achievement in sports. The benefits of sport are long-standing and this awards banquet celebrates all the positive aspects of sports.
2026 AWARD HONOREES
“As Kansas City continues to generate unprecedented excitement for its national and international sporting events, these honorees represent the best of our local sporting community,” says Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “Together, these individuals and their organizations play a critical role driving fan engagement, awareness and opportunity for Kansas City.”
Spire Community Champion
Jason Sudeikis, Philanthropist
Kansas City Native & Shawnee Mission West Alum
Polsinelli
Sportsman of the Year
Keaton Wagler, Guard
University of Illinois Men’s Basketball & Shawnee Mission Northwest Alum
CHILDREN’S MERCY
SportsWOman of the Year
Jaliya Davis, Forward
University of Kansas Women’s Basketball &
Blue Valley North Alum
McCownGordon Construction Executive of the Year
Pam Kramer, Chief Executive Officer
KC2026
Burns & McDonnell
Coaches of the Year
Ben Conrad & Rand Chappell
Johnson County Community College Basketball
T-Mobile Legacy Award
Cliff Illig, Co-Principal Owner
Sporting Kansas City
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City &
the Kansas City Royals
Shut Out the Stigma Advocate
Reggie Morris, Head Coach
Raytown South High School Boys Basketball
Submit nominations here
Interested in being a sponsor? Please contact Dave Borchardt.
PAST honorees
Awards information
sponsors
AWARD NOMINATION FORM