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Purpose-built stadiums emerge as game-changer for women's football
Kansas City Current's co-owner Chris Long predicts that within a decade, women's football teams without their own stadiums will face a competitive disadvantage. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club plays at CPKC Stadium, the world's first venue designed exclusively for women's football, setting a new standard in the sport.
Why American teams are investing in dedicated venues
In the United States, Kansas City Current and Denver Summit are pioneering a shift toward purpose-built stadiums for women's football. Unlike most teams in the UK's Women's Super League (WSL), which share grounds with men's clubs or multi-sport venues, these American franchises are prioritizing infrastructure tailored to women's sports.
Kansas City Current, founded in 2021 by local investors including Angie and Chris Long and Brittany Mahomes, opened CPKC Stadium in March 2024. With a capacity of 11,500, the venue consistently sells out, creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. Raven Jemison, the club's president, emphasizes the strategic advantage: "Our goal is to build the best home advantage and ensure every seat is filled, making it difficult for opponents to play here."
Financial and cultural benefits of stadium ownership
Owning a stadium allows clubs to control revenue streams such as food, beverage, parking, and retail-opportunities often lost when teams act as tenants. Jen Millet, president of Denver Summit, highlights the financial logic: "A sustainable business model depends on managing these revenue streams. Women's teams have historically missed out on these benefits."
Beyond economics, bespoke stadiums foster a sense of belonging for players and fans. Kansas City Current dominated the 2025 NWSL regular season, winning the league shield by 21 points. Long attributes this success to the team's dedicated home: "Players feel a sense of ownership. When you're a tenant, you're always temporary-like a visitor in your own space."
Denver Summit's upcoming 14,500-seat stadium, replacing a former tyre factory, is designed with inclusivity in mind. Sherri Privitera, senior principal at architectural firm Populous, explains: "We prioritized flexible seating, private changing rooms, and family-friendly amenities like sensory rooms for nursing mothers. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome."
Contrasts with the UK's Women's Super League
In the WSL, only London City Lionesses operate independently of men's clubs. Most teams share large stadiums like Anfield or smaller grounds such as Leigh Sports Village, often struggling to fill seats. Everton, for example, averaged 3,522 fans this season-less than 10% of Goodison Park's capacity.
Brighton & Hove Albion secured approval for a purpose-built stadium in 2023, but owner Tony Bloom has not provided a timeline for construction. Chelsea's Kingsmeadow, while club-owned, was originally built for men's team Kingstonian before the Blues took control in 2017.
The financial divide is stark. Kansas City Current generated $36 million (£26.6 million) in revenue, according to Forbes, surpassing WSL leaders Arsenal (£21.5 million) and Chelsea (£21.3 million). However, WSL clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City rely on funding from their parent organizations, highlighting the challenges of independence.
Overcoming financial hurdles
Long acknowledges the steep costs of building a stadium. "We approached 40 banks and received 39 rejections. You need institutions to believe in your vision." Despite skepticism, the success of CPKC Stadium has silenced critics, proving the model's viability.
Architect Privitera sees this trend as inevitable: "Bespoke stadiums make sense financially, culturally, and for branding. The benefits are undeniable."
The future of women's football infrastructure
As the NWSL 2026 season begins, the momentum behind purpose-built stadiums grows. Long remains optimistic: "In 10 years, this will be the norm. It will be essential for attracting and retaining players, and for financial success."
For WSL clubs, the path forward may be challenging, but the success of American teams offers a compelling blueprint. The question is no longer if women's football will embrace dedicated stadiums, but when.
