Kansas City Current

Striking a Strong Partnership

In 2024, UMKC became the official higher education partner of the Kansas City Current in a first-of-its-kind reciprocal partnership that provides player and coach mentorship for Roo athletes and educational opportunities for KC Current players.

UMKC Night at KC Current - Oct. 3

A Winning Match

Our world-class institutions share connections beyond the pitch that make our partnership a game-changer.

Co-owners of the KC Current Chris and Angie Long were named Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year by UMKC

Difference Makers

UMKC alumni, faculty and friends play key roles with the KC Current, helping to shape the future of sports and the Kansas City community. For example, founders Angie and Chris Long were recently named Kansas City Entrepreneurs of the Year by UMKC for their work at Palmer Square Capital Management and the KC Current.

Current fans reach toward the sky cheering on the team during a game.

Worldwide Reach

Both UMKC and the KC Current share a global vision. UMKC draws students from more than 75 countries, while the KC Current boasts an international roster, including players from Canada, Brazil and Malawi. Both institutions are united in their mission to be world-class leaders while remaining strong pillars of the Kansas City community and aligning their global reach with local impact.

Roos women's soccer sits with girls from Awesome Ambitions during empowerment event with KC Current.

Community-Involved

UMKC Athletics and KC Current are deeply engaged in our community. Throughout our partnership, KC Roos Women's Soccer and the KC Current have partnered to connect with groups like Kansas City Girls Leadership Institute and Awesome Ambitions, an organization that empowers girls in grades 8-12 through mentorship and college-readiness opportunities in health and wellness, social justice, entrepreneurship and career readiness.

Shared City. Shared Success.

Our partnership is expanding educational opportunities for players and creating transformative possibilities for the Kansas City community.

KC Current players meet with student on campus

Degree Eligibility

Active roster KC Current players receive undergraduate and graduate degree eligibility and scholarships. Our unique programs span across various professions with flexible course options to meet their demanding schedules. We offer innovative programs like the six-year B.A./M.D. and Supplemental Instruction, a globally recognized peer-tutoring system that improves grades and retention.

Mentorship and Access

The KC Current boosts our Roos women’s soccer program by providing a platform for scholar-athletes to engage with Current players for leadership and mentorship.

The 2026 KC Roos men's soccer team poses in front of the KC Current's stadium before watching a game.

Game Days at CPKC

KC Baby! With this partnership comes opportunities for the Roo community to unite with fellow Kansas Citians to celebrate the Current and UMKC on game days at CPKC Stadium. This engagement helps foster a sense of community and strengthen school spirit. Get your tickets for UMKC Night at KC Current on October 3.

KC Current Teal Mobile truck on UMKC's campus

Teal Takeovers

During Teal Takeovers, club players and the KC Current Teal Mobile visit campus, giving students, faculty and staff a chance to meet star athletes and show off their team spirit. This creates a stronger connection between the team and the university, boosting school pride and fostering a sense of belonging within the UMKC community.

Goals Hit

Our partnership is finding the back of net, scoring big for our community and scholar-athletes.

Celebrating Our Victories Together

Someone in crowd at KC Current stadium holds up UMKC heart sign.

KC Current fan wearing scarf walks up stadium steps

Blue UMKC tent outside of the CPKC stadium

Three UMKC students hold up UMKC props in front of a KC Current and UMKC backdrop

Student poses for picture with KC Current player outside of Student Union on UMKC's campus.

Achieving On and Off the Field

During her time with KC Current, Claire Hutton took advantage of a mutually beneficial aspect of the UMKC-KC Current partnership — degree eligibility and scholarships for players. Through this unique benefit, the former Current midfield anchor took classes toward earning her business degree while playing professional soccer.

“

The relationship between KC Current and UMKC is incredible. If I didn't have this opportunity, I would be going home at 3 p.m. and twiddling my thumbs, so being able to have this opportunity through the KC Current that provided me with the resources to get connected to UMKC helped me.

Claire Hutton

Former KC Current player and UMKC student

Read Claire's story

Kansas City is Our Classroom

The Current aren't the only ones making plays and winning. UMKC students, faculty and graduates can be found across the city learning at and leading organizations in diverse areas of business, industry, research and study. Learn more about our other partnerships, alumni network and academic programs, and see how they're making an impact on Kansas City.