President Ketchum: World Cup, Royals, Chiefs… and Real Estate

By John Ketchum, 2025 Heartland MLS President

There’s no denying that Kansas City is having a moment. With the Chiefs consistently in the Super Bowl, the Royals re-energizing a vision for downtown stadium (allegedly) and the city preparing to host the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, KC is on the global stage like never before.

So, what does that have to do with real estate?

Plenty.

When the world’s eyes are on your city, there’s more than just tourism dollars and temporary excitement at stake. There’s infrastructure investment, renewed civic pride, increased job opportunities and a ripple effect that touches nearly every neighborhood. And as real estate agents we’re uniquely positioned—not just to ride the wave, but to help guide it.

Let’s start with the World Cup. Hosting matches at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (including practices throughout key stadiums in other parts of the Greater KC area) will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Kansas City. In preparation, the city has invested in everything from airport improvements to transportation projects and entertainment infrastructure. These investments don’t disappear when the tournament ends. They change how people experience our city long-term—and that includes where they choose to live.

Now, consider the Royals’ proposed new downtown ballpark district. Regardless of where the final decision lands, the momentum around mixed-use development, rethinking urban space and increasing walkability downtown speaks volumes. We’re witnessing a real conversation about lifestyle-centered development, and that affects homebuyer preferences. Proximity to events, public transportation, green space and culture are all becoming top-of-mind for buyers, especially among younger and relocating demographics.

And of course, the Chiefs are more than just a football team, they’re an identity. Their success is fueling national awareness of Kansas City as a vibrant, high-quality, affordable place to live. What was once “flyover country” is now a destination. When people move here—whether for sports-related work, remote flexibility or simply to be part of a city on the rise—they often begin with Google. And where do they land? On listings. Our listings.

Which brings me to this: now is the time to raise our game.

As MLS Participants and Subscribers, we’re the stewards of the most accurate, up-to-date data about Kansas City’s housing market. We must think like ambassadors. That means writing compelling, clear listing descriptions that tell the story of the home and the neighborhood. It means using professional photos, honest data and accurate statuses. It means marketing with intention, knowing that your next buyer could just as easily be from Belgium as from Blue Springs.

Let’s take pride in the work we do and the city we represent. Real estate is local, but its reach is global. And this global moment for Kansas City is a rare opportunity to show the world what we already know: there’s no place like home.