WEBVTT
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Welcome into our Casey Current podcast.
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Today we are joined by Senior Vice President of Commercial for the Kansas City Current.
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Drummond Peace, Missy Jenkins.
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Hello.
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What what?
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Yes! This one's gonna be a little bit more entertaining, I think, because Missy and I, you know, we just talk about random things all the time.
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As long as you don't make me cry, which we are both um sympathy criers, I would say.
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That we are.
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Yeah.
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Feelers.
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We are feelers.
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Thinkers and feelers.
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There are many types of people.
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Can you?
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Yeah.
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Both can be true.
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There you go.
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You are both?
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Yeah.
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Don't necessarily think I'm a thinker, but I guess I am a thinker because I'm thinking about being a thinker.
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So sorry, meta.
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Thinker and feeler.
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We're off track already.
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Alright, welcome to the show, everybody.
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Let's go.
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Okay, reel it back in.
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Uh, Missy, okay, let's talk about you a little bit.
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We start every show off with this thing called current kicks.
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So, first kick for the show, in your own words, how would you describe Missy Jenkins?
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Uh, well, I already said I'm a feeler.
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Um, and a thinker.
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I think I'm pretty compassionate.
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I think I'm pretty organized.
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I'm pretty fun.
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I love my family.
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I love my job.
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I love Kansas City.
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Uh I am all about making a place where you are, and I have made Kansas City my home, and so I'm a Kansas Citian.
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Uh I'm an athlete, though not a great one, but good enough.
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Um once an athlete, always an athlete.
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True, that's fair.
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That's fair.
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Yes.
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Uh I like good food.
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I like to work hard.
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I love sports.
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I love the University of Virginia.
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I could just go on.
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I'm really just randomly saying things that I love and how I feel about I am.
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But those are all things that I think describe me.
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Those are all things that can be put into your personality that have created who you are, which I think is perfect.
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That's what we want to share with the people.
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Because the people don't really get a chance to get to know you, right?
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So tell them all the things.
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The things that are not in the bio necessarily.
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I definitely described all the things that aren't in the bio.
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Oh, okay.
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Well, there's that too.
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It's fine.
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We'll get we'll get a little bit deeper here.
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We're going into our first segment.
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Um, I love origin stories.
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Like being a storyteller for this team, like, give me the beginnings of when Missy Jenkins decided that she wanted to go into sports and maybe a point in your life that you were like, you know what, I'm gonna go to the business side of sports.
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Yeah, it's a it's a good question.
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Um I grew up when the WNBA became a thing and was a huge basketball player.
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Uh before that, I thought I was gonna be the first woman in the NBA.
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Uh being five foot four, that dream was not likely to come true.
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But uh then the WNBA came out and I was like, okay, maybe there's a chance there are athletes that look like me, maybe.
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Um, but realized I wasn't exactly good enough at sport and uh went to a college where there were good sports so I could watch them.
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Um and didn't really know what I wanted to do.
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I came from a long line of teachers.
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My mom's a teacher, my dad's a teacher, my stepdad's a teacher, my stepbrothers are teachers.
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So I thought I wanted to be a teacher.
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Education gave that a go.
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Uh, and man, teachers deserve a lot of respect.
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Um, but it was not a job for me, and uh, I had a chance to do some some work uh with the University of Virginia Athletics Department, and I was like, man, I'm getting paid to watch sports.
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How do I make this a full-time job?
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And uh decided to go to business school and find my way into the professional side of of sports and the business side, and the rest is history.
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And here I am.
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And here you are, here at the Kansas City Current, literally leading the way and changing the trajectory of women's sports in particular.
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So it's crazy.
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I feel very fortunate.
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Well, you're doing an amazing job.
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Um, you mentioned a lot of moments, and you mentioned that you're a thinker, and we kind of will go back and forth to that.
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But was there a moment during those decisions that really defined your trajectory or what really allowed you to make those decisions and get you to where you are now?
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You know, I think there's probably definitely a few, but one that comes to mind, uh, I was working for the Alumni Association at UVA and I enjoyed the job, but uh didn't wake up every day thinking, oh, I love this and I want to keep going back.
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And uh I had the the fortune to sit courtside uh at every UVA basketball game for a couple of years uh and do stats.
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Um I was like the one inputting what was happening on the court, or I was the one saying, like, rebound number 12, assist number 15.
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And uh I remember sitting there one day and Coach Kay from Duke shook the hand of Tony Bennett, the head coach of the University of Virginia, like right in front of me, like closer than I was to you.
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And I was like, man, all these fans are cheering.
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All this hard work has gone into making this such an unbelievable experience, and I'm getting to watch history unfold right in front of me.
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How do I make this my life?
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And that is when I decided, like, I'm gonna transition into professional sports.
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The best way to do that is to go to business school.
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So I made a leap of faith.
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I took on a lot of student debt and decided to go to the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, had the fortune to intern with the NBA in the league offices and this amazing experience where I started to get to learn what it was like to be in a league, then got to work at monumental sports and understood what it was like to work at a team.
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So got to try out all these really cool things, and I kept thinking, wow, I get to be part of making these fans, you know, have one of their core moments in life.
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Like I want to keep doing this and keep trying to do this.
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And now I get to do that in one of the all the greatest organizations in the world, um, in the Kansas City current and for fans all over.
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Um, and it's just so special.
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And I think there's been a lot of those sort of pivotal moments, but that one's sort of top of mind.
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And I was gonna say watching history unfold in front of you and now becoming part of that history that's unfolding, and even in making those decisions, like you're going into sports where it's a previously very male-dominated field.
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So talk about those experiences and how you kind of made a name for yourself, deciding that that's the path that you want to go.
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Well, I don't know if I made a name for myself, but okay, I'll just vote on you instead.
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I do think, you know, I've been very fortunate to work uh in a few different uh men's sports teams and have absolutely loved them and have had a great experience getting to learn how these big organizations operate and how they function and how to navigate uh, you know, crowds and rooms of executives who may have far more experience than me, may look a lot different than me.
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But just showing up authentically each and every day, working really hard.
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I'm very proud of my work ethic, but I'm also really proud of my ability to connect with people and communicate because at the end of the day, everyone's a human and a person, and they take things home with them, and they've got experiences that none of us know they're going through.
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And so just treating them like a person has been important.
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And I feel very fortunate that I've gotten to do that in a lot of really cool organizations, but none have seeped into my soul in quite the same way the Kansas City current has.
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And um, I'm just so proud to get to watch these young women, these young men who come to our matches and experience soccer or experience women's professional sports in the way that we get to display it each and every day.
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And I'm just fortunate that I get to be a small part of that in making that experience come to life.
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So, what drew you to the Kansas City current?
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This will be my last question for getting back to the origin stories, but like obviously, like we can see what's going on here.
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But what ultimately drew you to Kansas City?
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Yeah, I mean, a few things I could point to.
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I had already been thinking a little bit about women's sports and and maybe making that transition to work in women's professional sports.
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And so when this opportunity came along and I had the chance to speak with Raymond Raven Jemison, our president, and then meet Angie and Chris Long, uh, I was just blown away by how they were thinking about the organization, the investment that Chris and Angie have made in this organization, its facilities, its surrounding facilities, its players.
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I thought if I'm gonna make this leap, this is this is the organization to to do that for.
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Um, I also um am very fortunate and I feel very proud of the fact that my dad is from Kansas City, born and raised.
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His parents were from Kansas City, his parents' parents um were around here.
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So it feels very special to come back to his hometown, even if I didn't grow up here, and to see how the city has grown, to see how it's brought sports to the international stage and to get to be part of an organization like this.
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It's been, it was, it was hard to say no.
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I couldn't imagine saying no looking back.
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And now that you're here, you're in it, you have a lot of passion projects, I guess you could say, that you're working on, but that's kind of what comes with the territory of being in your position and trying to create this sustainable business model that a lot of people are looking at and aspiring to be and to accomplish.
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Now, uh the current has shown that women's sports can be a powerful business model, not just this inspiring story.
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So when you sit down with prospective partners, what do you think makes the Casey Current opportunity so different from anything else?
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Yeah, I think it's important part that you said, which is it's good for business.
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I think there are so many studies that you can see now that point to the fact that that brands that invest in women's sports teams are getting the ROI on their investment.
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Uh, the fans of women's professional sports treat sponsors differently than those who are fans of men's sports.
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They're buying the products, they're engaging with the brands, they love the brands.
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And so the ability to speak to that ROI and value for a partner, I think goes a long way.
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It's really important for us that we want people who, you know, believe in what we're doing, not just because it is good, but because it's also good for business.
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And we believe that strongly.
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I think it comes across whenever I talk about this organization, how passionate I am about what we're building and what we're doing and where we still have to go.
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And I think that comes across when I talk about it in front of partners, but also when anyone on our team does.
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And then if they have a chance to hear from Chris and Angie to hear that vision, I think they're sold just as much that this is good for their brand.
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Um, and it's a great partnership to invest in.
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I mean, the synergies between the partners of the Kansas City Current and the partners in general, I feel like in my experience in sports, is very different because you're not gonna go into a partnership without believing the same things, without having the same missions and the same goals.
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And really at the end of the day, how many times have we had conversations around, okay, well, we're gonna partner with Yeti because they believe in the same things that we do, or we're going to partner with Hive because they also believe in the same things that we do and are trying to accomplish that bigger goal.
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Is there a partnership or activation in particular that has like stuck out to you that's been really special, or do you have any like fun stories of how some of these partnerships came to be?
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Yeah, I'm really proud of a lot of our partnerships, and you named two of them, Yeti, High V.
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I think one of the ones that I think really speaks to the types of partners we want to get involved in or get involved with is a partner like our Vest Bank.
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Um they came to the table and said, you know, we want to continue to make our mark in Kansas City, but we also want to promote you.
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We want to showcase you.
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And those are the partnerships that work best for us, are those that not only are we giving them the value and demonstrating our, you know, that they are an awesome brand by showing them on our LED screens or having their name on our on our facility, but they're also brands that show up in t-shirts on Tuesdays in their branches.
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They put our pictures on their billboards or on the side of a bus.
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They are just as proud to be partners as of ours as we are of them to be partners of ours, if that if that makes sense.
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Total sense.
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Yes.
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And Rvest is a great example of that.
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But so are all the ones you named, CPKC.
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I mean, every partnership we have, we try to be holistic and integrated.
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It's not just about signage and impressions, it's about so much more than that.
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It's about investment in community, it's about showcasing players, it's about storytelling, it's about hospitality and getting their employees and customers out to witness a game at CPKC Stadium.
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We really want it to be that holistic type of partnership, and we have so many great examples of that.
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Well, you set up my next question on a T, literally, because CPKC Stadium is right outside here at the KC Current uh studios, and just a hop, skip, and a jump right across Current Landing.
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And what CPKC has done as a partner is monumental, and it also has changed the face of women's sports by partnering with the first stadium built for a women's professional team, and just what that has done and what that's set up for history in the making is right here happening in our own backyard.
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But the stadium aspect of it and being the only one for women's sports, how does that change what your role entails and selling sponsorships there and partnerships, but also revenue?
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Like having your own stadium just changes the game, right?
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Oh, unbelievably.
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I mean, if you think about all the opportunities that a men's professional sports team has with owning their own venue and their ability to drive revenue and diversify their revenue, we we have that ability here at CPKC Stadium, whether that's to the point you made, being able to have more elements that we can put in a partnership from physical signage to um hospitality and ticketing to event spaces, all of that we can include in a partnership, which just only increases the value to a partner.
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Yeah.
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But also we get to, you know, really control the food and beverage experience.
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We get to control the private event space and how we rent our spaces out.
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Um, we get to think about parking, we get to think about the programming that happens outside of just Kansas City current matches with rugby and lacrosse and college athletics.
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So we just have so many more opportunities.
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One, to leverage this space as a community asset and have people come and see it and try it out and experience it in different ways, but also to really diversify where we can get revenue.
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So I have seen the first episode of Tad Lasso probably six times at this point.
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My husband saw it for the first time just last week.
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And that moment for the current, yes, it was a lot of work behind the scenes, and obviously between the two of us, like did some stuff to make that happen.
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Um, but also like the trickle-down effect of what CPKC Stadium means to this community, to actors like Jason Sidakis, and writing that love letter because of the vision of Angie and Chris Long and what they've done here.
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And what has that done?
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I mean, I get text messages all the time saying, like, look, I've got my current Ted Lasso shirt on, or like, oh my gosh, that was the coolest thing to see the current on this international stage and this platform.
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But like, what does that do in conversations even for you?
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Because like communications is very much like, wow, cool, brands out there, but like it's different for you, right?
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Yeah, well, maybe before I'll answer the question, I'll I'll tell you the amount of text messages I've received that have been, is that supposed to be you in the teal suit?
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Yes.
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And I say, no, that's my colleague Danny.
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Uh, because uh very humbly to me, I often get confused with you.
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And so this show has come and people are like, oh, that must be you.
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And I'm like, you can take it.
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That's fine.
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It can be mixed.
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I think it's meant to be Danny, but um, I do need to get a suit of that teal color.
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I have a dark teal, but not quite that teal.
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Um, we can make that happen.
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How does that sound?
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Um, I'm here for Twinkies on match day.
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Let's go.
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And then people will never guess who we are.
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We can just swap.
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I love that.
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Great idea.
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Um, I, you know, it's been it's been unbelievable.
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Yeah.
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Uh brands or organizations that maybe didn't really know who we were and how we existed, or, you know, that we existed before have said, oh, I know who you are.
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You were on that episode of Ted Lasso.
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So I think one, it's brought a few, uh, you know, it's brought uh new brands to the table that perhaps weren't thinking about investing in women's sports before or weren't thinking about investing in a Kansas City team.
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I think that's been great.
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And then it's also just been great to point to the fact that we are building more than just a soccer team.
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Um, we are building a brand, we are building an organization that stands for so much more content, entertainment, um, movie nights, concerts, festivals.
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Um, we want to be, you know, obviously known for the best part of this, which is the women's soccer on the field.
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Um, but it gives us the ability to, like I said before, become even bigger of a community asset and and showcase everything we're doing in different ways.
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And I think Ted Lasso and being involved in that first episode of the newest season has been a has been great for us to show, you know what, we're also part of invertainment.
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We're we're internationally being shown on the television, and I think that's great for our brand and and for our organization.
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And hopefully it brings more people out to our matches, it brings more people to to want to buy our merchandise, to follow us on social media, um, and be really excited about what we're doing.
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Yeah, I've had people in Brazil even reach out to me and say, What?
00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:11.200
We saw you guys on Ted Lasso, and I'm like, oh now this was obviously a Portuguese exchange via WhatsApp, of course.
00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.880
So there was some translation involved.
00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:15.359
Um, but it was that ecstatic the entire time.
00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.079
The energy.
00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:16.720
I love it.
00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:22.640
And it's like you read my questions ahead of time or something because you keep setting me up for this as we go into the next one.
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:30.960
But you talked about being a community asset, having festivals out here, having these moments that are bigger than what's happening on the pitch.
00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:37.519
And I think for a lot of fans in Kansas City, one current 2026 very much represents that.
00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:43.279
It's bigger home, bigger future, the opportunity to talk about the expansion.
00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:47.200
Why should people come and be a part of this from your perspective?
00:18:48.640 --> 00:18:53.039
At the current, we're obviously very proud of everything we've done to date.
00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:55.759
But there is so much more to come.
00:18:56.079 --> 00:19:01.279
And that shows up with what CPKC Stadium might look like in a couple of years.
00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:06.799
That's what this neighborhood and current landing is going to look like over the next several years.
00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:11.119
Um, one current is just a really amazing showcase of that.
00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:22.720
It proves that we are a place and a time and a team and a brand and an organization that just continues to move the needle and do amazing things.
00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:44.799
Um, from the experience inside the stadium that fans will get to be part of for Fan Appreciation Day on a regular last or last regular season match of the season to the experience we're gonna build outside with music, food, uh, and our restaurant partners, um, giveaways, activities, new viewing angles.
00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:50.400
Um, it's just gonna be a really vibrant, exciting festival-like atmosphere.
00:19:50.559 --> 00:19:53.039
Imagine you're on the grounds at the US Open.
00:19:53.279 --> 00:20:02.400
Um, there's gonna be so much excitement and energy, and we want to showcase that as we go into the postseason, as we go into 2027 and beyond.
00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:07.680
It's just an exciting kind of kickoff to this, like you said, bigger home, bigger future.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:10.880
And we're excited to get people down here and experience it.
00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.480
It's gonna be so lit.
00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.359
Let's so pump.
00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.559
It's gonna be so fun.
00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:20.640
Like all of the planning and everything that's going into this right now, fans are gonna have the absolute best time.
00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:24.799
So if you haven't, KansasCityCurrent.com, get your tickets today, okay?
00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.519
There's my plug.
00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:29.680
Shameless, shameless because we want them, we want everyone to be down there.
00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.680
18,000, let's do it.
00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:39.200
Um so as this club grows and we talk about growth and we talk about being the best women's football club in the world.
00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:49.599
How do you want Kansas City Current to change the way that brands think about investing in women's sports over the next five years, over the next 10 years?
00:20:50.880 --> 00:20:52.240
You know, I said it before.
00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:56.880
I think initially brands were investing in women's sports because it was good.
00:20:57.039 --> 00:21:04.640
It was, oh, we were the first to do this, and it's you know part of an initiative to show that we care uh about women.
00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:11.920
Um, I think over time we're seeing that just continue to be um not just flipped on its head, but it's more than that.
00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:19.279
It is that it is good for your organization, it's good for your business, and I think that's only going to expand and grow.
00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:23.119
I think you're gonna see media rights deals that continue to get bigger.
00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:28.400
I think you're gonna continue to see more and more non-traditional brands play in the space.
00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:38.880
And you're already seeing that with makeup companies or um tampons or deodorants types of brands that didn't necessarily spend in professional sports before starting to spend.
00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:40.480
I think you're gonna continue to see that.
00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:46.079
I think you're gonna start to see more traditional brands spend in women's professional sports.
00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:58.000
Maybe they weren't before, because if you look at those who are watching women's professional sports, um, you know, they are one engaging with brands, but also oftentimes women hold a lot of the purchasing power in the home.
00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.839
And so brands want to get in front of those folks.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:06.880
So I think you're going to just continue to see new types of brands, some of the stalwarts play in the space as well.
00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:15.920
And as media rights continue to grow, and you know, we've got the Women's World Cup in 2027 in Brazil, we've got the Olympics in 2028 in LA.
00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:22.079
We're going to see interest in soccer, I think, continue to grow and expand, and more brands want to be part of that.
00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:30.160
I really just think you're going to see the continued proliferation and excitement of women's sports that we're already starting to see.
00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:34.400
But I think it's just, it's on a rocket ship that's just going to continue to fly.
00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:45.680
And we hope that we are paving the way and also creating these opportunities for young professionals as well to get into this industry, to get into women's sports.
00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:49.759
And, you know, we talk about we want to be the first, but we don't want to be the last.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:55.039
And so being able to do that set the precedent for the next generation, both on the pitch and off the pitch.
00:22:55.359 --> 00:23:01.839
Missy, what's some advice you would give to a young professional who wants to get into the business side of sports, but doesn't really know where to start?
00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:16.079
Yeah, um, I'm gonna answer a slightly different question before I answer that question, uh, which is you know, we talk a lot about how special it is to see these um young girls and young boys come into CPKC Stadium and they know nothing different.
00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.920
You talk a lot about Cameron all the time.
00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:24.240
Doesn't know anything different than a professional team with its own facility built for women in Kansas City.
00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:36.240
I think a lot of times working in sports is the same way that these newer generations, we want them to see that there are women in professional sports today, that it's always been that way, even if it hasn't.
00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:44.720
And I feel that way about my role in and working in the industry as well, which is it's possible, it's here.
00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:47.119
You've got to learn to find your voice.
00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:56.000
And I think that's probably the toughest part about being a woman in a in an industry that's been traditionally dominated by men is feeling confident in a room.
00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:59.599
And so one of my biggest pieces of advice is always just start small.
00:23:59.680 --> 00:23:59.920
Yeah.
00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:04.880
Offer to be the note taker, offer to summarize the to-dos at the end of the meeting.
00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:09.680
Doing that is just the first way to say, I've got a voice, I can speak up in this room.
00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:16.400
And then you'll start to stand a little taller and you'll start to feel more confident that you can lead the meeting or ask and push back.
00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:25.599
Um, and I think you just got to start small and build your way up and find advocates and mentors, people who you want to be like, see how they did it, ask them questions.
00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.079
Yeah.
00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:33.359
And I hope that I can be that for those young professionals in the industry and as they find their way in this in sports as well.
00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:35.759
I have no doubt that you are and you will.
00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:38.079
I tell you what, I just got a little bit choked up.
00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:38.880
So thank you for doing that.
00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:45.200
I knew we were gonna do this to each other, but there is nothing quite like seeing a five-year-old do cartwheels underneath the words of Title IX.
00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.640
There is nothing quite like it.
00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:55.599
So to be able to impact young women and men both on and off the pitch and show what the possibilities are is incredible.
00:24:55.680 --> 00:25:02.240
And we're also seeing that even with the expansion of um the NWSL in general, the job opportunities are endless.
00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:05.759
So get out, be a part of it, make your voice heard.
00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:10.880
Um, but my last question for you before we have a little bit of fun is super serious.
00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:13.519
So buckle in.
00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:15.680
Um take a sip of water.
00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:25.759
So, Missy, when you look back on your time with the current, what impact, what legacy do you want to have left?
00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:29.759
Ooh, it's heavy hitting.
00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:39.039
Uh I don't feel like I've necessarily been here long enough to say that I have made that sort of long-lasting legacy yet.
00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.319
Understandable.
00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:50.799
But I want to be, you know, when my time here ends at the current, whenever that may be, hopefully that's many, many, many moons from now.
00:25:51.039 --> 00:26:05.279
Um, I want to be known as someone who showed up every day, was a hard worker, but also was a lot of fun to be around, was empathetic, um, was enjoyable to work with.
00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:08.240
And I want to be known that that as a colleague and as a professional.
00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:18.559
And then more broadly, I just want to be proud that I gave and was a small part of giving fans who walked in that door the best experience possible.
00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:42.720
Whether that's working to make sure we have partners who want to give cool giveaways, or we've got fun food and beverage vendors who give you the best possible nacho you could ever imagine having at a sports venue, or I've worked alongside a colleague who makes sure that the in-game feature that we do is super fun and enjoyable, and someone got to be shown on the big screen.
00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:52.880
Um I was so proud when I learned that my eight-year-old niece wore her Kansas City Current t-shirt to school on her first day of school.
00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:55.680
She lives in Virginia, not even in Kansas City.
00:26:56.480 --> 00:27:00.240
She wore her Kansas City Current jersey to school pictures.
00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:15.440
The fact that I was a small part in getting her to do that, and she's gonna be so proud to tell her friends that her aunt works for the Kansas City Current is something that I hope extends to other kids, to other families, not just because of me, but because of what the current have done more broadly.
00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:18.000
I'm not sure I really answered the question.
00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:19.200
It was beautiful.
00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.640
No, that was amazing.
00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:24.880
Okay, so I've only got you for like a couple more seconds, so we're gonna blaze through the storm round.
00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.359
Are you ready?
00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:25.920
I'm ready.
00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.400
Okay.
00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:28.400
First concert you ever attended.
00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:30.480
Crosby Stills, Nash and Young.
00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:32.799
Your dream brand collaboration.
00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:34.640
Any company in the entire world.
00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.640
This is a really hard one.
00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:42.640
I need to answer more quickly.
00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:48.079
I love Nike, but we already work with Nike.
00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:50.799
Um, let's go with.
00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:57.279
I love Yeti and we already work with Yeti.
00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:57.920
I don't know.
00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.519
Um we can just say that.
00:27:59.680 --> 00:27:59.839
Okay.
00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:00.720
We can say in Nike.
00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:03.119
I want to do even more with Nike with Yeti.
00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.920
Okay, I love it.
00:28:04.079 --> 00:28:05.359
Bigger and bolder with Yeti.
00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.400
Ooh, like that.
00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.440
Mic drop.
00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.480
Let's move on.
00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:11.599
What's one Kansas City spot you always recommend for out of town visitors?
00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.279
Oh, Farina all day, every day.
00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.880
Best restaurant in Kansas City.
00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:16.079
I go every Tuesday.
00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:20.640
It's legitimately the best restaurant anyone should go, whether you're in Kansas City or outside of Kansas City.
00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.160
Okay, uh, networking opportunity.
00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:23.359
Tuesdays at Farina.
00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:26.160
Uh, if you weren't working in sports, what would you be doing?
00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:28.000
I'd probably be a teacher.
00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.960
Love teachers.
00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.720
I wish I was better at it, but much love to all teachers.
00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:35.200
Best piece of advice you've ever received.
00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:39.359
Find yourself advocates and be an advocate.
00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:40.079
That's good.
00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:42.480
One thing fans would be surprised to learn about you.
00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:51.119
As extroverted as I seem, I really sometimes like to just spend time by myself in my pajamas watching television.
00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.480
I think there's a new word for that.
00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.519
I think they've discovered it.
00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:54.720
So we'll have to research.
00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:56.000
An introverted extrovert?
00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:58.079
I mean it's like an over overtrovert.
00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:58.480
Okay.
00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.440
Overtrovert.
00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:00.079
Okay.
00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:00.640
I like that.
00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.359
We'll go with that.
00:29:01.599 --> 00:29:02.319
Overtrovert.
00:29:02.799 --> 00:29:03.039
I don't know.
00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.319
Sorry, don't hold me to that.
00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.519
Uh, perfect day off.
00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:08.400
Packed itinerary or absolutely no plants.
00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:11.440
This is a little at odds with what I just said.
00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:14.960
Probably a packed itinerary that ends at like 8 p.m.
00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:18.880
So I can go home and reset before I go to bed at 9 p.m.
00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.000
That very much aligns.
00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:20.960
No, I think you're good there.
00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:21.440
I think you're good.
00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:21.920
All right, great.
00:29:22.079 --> 00:29:23.759
All right, Missy, this has been fantastic.
00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.640
Thank you so much.
00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:27.200
I love the opportunity to spend time with you, period.
00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:31.359
So, all of those things you want to be remembered by, girly chicken them off.
00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.480
Thank you for having me.
00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:33.200
Loved it.
00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:34.400
Love this podcast.
00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:35.359
We're having a good time.
00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:35.920
And love you.
00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:37.680
Oh, love you too.
00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.839
It's not good at doing that.
00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:40.720
I'm not gonna cry.
00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.240
All right.
00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:44.079
Thank you for taking us behind the scenes.
00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.960
I'm not gonna cry.
00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:48.000
We'll see you guys next week, right here on the Casey Current Podcast.
00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.519
Be inspired Kansas City.
00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.840
Welcome into our Casey Current podcast.
00:00:01.919 --> 00:00:06.160
Today we are joined by Senior Vice President of Commercial for the Kansas City Current.
00:00:06.559 --> 00:00:08.720
Drummond Peace, Missy Jenkins.
00:00:09.039 --> 00:00:09.439
Hello.
00:00:11.439 --> 00:00:12.000
What what?
00:00:12.240 --> 00:00:19.199
Yes! This one's gonna be a little bit more entertaining, I think, because Missy and I, you know, we just talk about random things all the time.
00:00:22.239 --> 00:00:27.199
As long as you don't make me cry, which we are both um sympathy criers, I would say.
00:00:27.440 --> 00:00:27.839
That we are.
00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:28.079
Yeah.
00:00:28.399 --> 00:00:28.800
Feelers.
00:00:29.120 --> 00:00:29.839
We are feelers.
00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:30.879
Thinkers and feelers.
00:00:31.039 --> 00:00:31.600
There are many types of people.
00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:32.799
Can you?
00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:33.280
Yeah.
00:00:33.520 --> 00:00:34.640
Both can be true.
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:35.759
There you go.
00:00:36.159 --> 00:00:36.640
You are both?
00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:37.200
Yeah.
00:00:38.240 --> 00:00:43.359
Don't necessarily think I'm a thinker, but I guess I am a thinker because I'm thinking about being a thinker.
00:00:43.600 --> 00:00:44.880
So sorry, meta.
00:00:45.679 --> 00:00:47.039
Thinker and feeler.
00:00:47.280 --> 00:00:48.320
We're off track already.
00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:50.479
Alright, welcome to the show, everybody.
00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:51.359
Let's go.
00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:53.200
Okay, reel it back in.
00:00:53.359 --> 00:00:55.759
Uh, Missy, okay, let's talk about you a little bit.
00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:58.719
We start every show off with this thing called current kicks.
00:00:58.880 --> 00:01:04.319
So, first kick for the show, in your own words, how would you describe Missy Jenkins?
00:01:05.519 --> 00:01:07.519
Uh, well, I already said I'm a feeler.
00:01:07.920 --> 00:01:10.480
Um, and a thinker.
00:01:10.799 --> 00:01:13.439
I think I'm pretty compassionate.
00:01:13.599 --> 00:01:15.120
I think I'm pretty organized.
00:01:15.519 --> 00:01:16.719
I'm pretty fun.
00:01:16.879 --> 00:01:18.159
I love my family.
00:01:18.560 --> 00:01:19.760
I love my job.
00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:21.680
I love Kansas City.
00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:30.560
Uh I am all about making a place where you are, and I have made Kansas City my home, and so I'm a Kansas Citian.
00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:34.640
Uh I'm an athlete, though not a great one, but good enough.
00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:36.400
Um once an athlete, always an athlete.
00:01:36.640 --> 00:01:37.200
True, that's fair.
00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:37.760
That's fair.
00:01:37.920 --> 00:01:38.239
Yes.
00:01:38.400 --> 00:01:39.760
Uh I like good food.
00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:41.519
I like to work hard.
00:01:41.760 --> 00:01:42.959
I love sports.
00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:44.640
I love the University of Virginia.
00:01:44.799 --> 00:01:45.519
I could just go on.
00:01:45.599 --> 00:01:48.799
I'm really just randomly saying things that I love and how I feel about I am.
00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:50.640
But those are all things that I think describe me.
00:01:50.799 --> 00:01:57.680
Those are all things that can be put into your personality that have created who you are, which I think is perfect.
00:01:57.840 --> 00:01:59.200
That's what we want to share with the people.
00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:02.560
Because the people don't really get a chance to get to know you, right?
00:02:02.719 --> 00:02:04.400
So tell them all the things.
00:02:04.560 --> 00:02:06.719
The things that are not in the bio necessarily.
00:02:06.959 --> 00:02:09.120
I definitely described all the things that aren't in the bio.
00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:09.759
Oh, okay.
00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:10.800
Well, there's that too.
00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:11.280
It's fine.
00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:13.039
We'll get we'll get a little bit deeper here.
00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:14.479
We're going into our first segment.
00:02:14.560 --> 00:02:16.400
Um, I love origin stories.
00:02:16.479 --> 00:02:31.199
Like being a storyteller for this team, like, give me the beginnings of when Missy Jenkins decided that she wanted to go into sports and maybe a point in your life that you were like, you know what, I'm gonna go to the business side of sports.
00:02:31.520 --> 00:02:33.199
Yeah, it's a it's a good question.
00:02:33.360 --> 00:02:40.159
Um I grew up when the WNBA became a thing and was a huge basketball player.
00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:44.080
Uh before that, I thought I was gonna be the first woman in the NBA.
00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:48.719
Uh being five foot four, that dream was not likely to come true.
00:02:48.879 --> 00:02:54.400
But uh then the WNBA came out and I was like, okay, maybe there's a chance there are athletes that look like me, maybe.
00:02:54.560 --> 00:03:02.319
Um, but realized I wasn't exactly good enough at sport and uh went to a college where there were good sports so I could watch them.
00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:04.639
Um and didn't really know what I wanted to do.
00:03:04.719 --> 00:03:06.080
I came from a long line of teachers.
00:03:06.240 --> 00:03:10.960
My mom's a teacher, my dad's a teacher, my stepdad's a teacher, my stepbrothers are teachers.
00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:12.560
So I thought I wanted to be a teacher.
00:03:12.800 --> 00:03:14.400
Education gave that a go.
00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:19.039
Uh, and man, teachers deserve a lot of respect.
00:03:19.280 --> 00:03:29.520
Um, but it was not a job for me, and uh, I had a chance to do some some work uh with the University of Virginia Athletics Department, and I was like, man, I'm getting paid to watch sports.
00:03:29.680 --> 00:03:31.439
How do I make this a full-time job?
00:03:31.599 --> 00:03:40.159
And uh decided to go to business school and find my way into the professional side of of sports and the business side, and the rest is history.
00:03:40.400 --> 00:03:41.199
And here I am.
00:03:41.439 --> 00:03:48.080
And here you are, here at the Kansas City Current, literally leading the way and changing the trajectory of women's sports in particular.
00:03:48.639 --> 00:03:49.599
So it's crazy.
00:03:49.840 --> 00:03:50.800
I feel very fortunate.
00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:52.960
Well, you're doing an amazing job.
00:03:53.199 --> 00:03:59.439
Um, you mentioned a lot of moments, and you mentioned that you're a thinker, and we kind of will go back and forth to that.
00:03:59.599 --> 00:04:12.000
But was there a moment during those decisions that really defined your trajectory or what really allowed you to make those decisions and get you to where you are now?
00:04:12.400 --> 00:04:28.639
You know, I think there's probably definitely a few, but one that comes to mind, uh, I was working for the Alumni Association at UVA and I enjoyed the job, but uh didn't wake up every day thinking, oh, I love this and I want to keep going back.
00:04:29.040 --> 00:04:37.839
And uh I had the the fortune to sit courtside uh at every UVA basketball game for a couple of years uh and do stats.
00:04:38.000 --> 00:04:45.439
Um I was like the one inputting what was happening on the court, or I was the one saying, like, rebound number 12, assist number 15.
00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:58.399
And uh I remember sitting there one day and Coach Kay from Duke shook the hand of Tony Bennett, the head coach of the University of Virginia, like right in front of me, like closer than I was to you.
00:04:58.639 --> 00:05:02.079
And I was like, man, all these fans are cheering.
00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:09.439
All this hard work has gone into making this such an unbelievable experience, and I'm getting to watch history unfold right in front of me.
00:05:09.839 --> 00:05:11.600
How do I make this my life?
00:05:11.839 --> 00:05:15.920
And that is when I decided, like, I'm gonna transition into professional sports.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:18.079
The best way to do that is to go to business school.
00:05:18.240 --> 00:05:19.680
So I made a leap of faith.
00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:37.759
I took on a lot of student debt and decided to go to the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, had the fortune to intern with the NBA in the league offices and this amazing experience where I started to get to learn what it was like to be in a league, then got to work at monumental sports and understood what it was like to work at a team.
00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:47.519
So got to try out all these really cool things, and I kept thinking, wow, I get to be part of making these fans, you know, have one of their core moments in life.
00:05:47.680 --> 00:05:50.079
Like I want to keep doing this and keep trying to do this.
00:05:50.160 --> 00:05:58.399
And now I get to do that in one of the all the greatest organizations in the world, um, in the Kansas City current and for fans all over.
00:05:58.560 --> 00:06:00.000
Um, and it's just so special.
00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:04.240
And I think there's been a lot of those sort of pivotal moments, but that one's sort of top of mind.
00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:19.199
And I was gonna say watching history unfold in front of you and now becoming part of that history that's unfolding, and even in making those decisions, like you're going into sports where it's a previously very male-dominated field.
00:06:19.360 --> 00:06:27.360
So talk about those experiences and how you kind of made a name for yourself, deciding that that's the path that you want to go.
00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:32.639
Well, I don't know if I made a name for myself, but okay, I'll just vote on you instead.
00:06:32.959 --> 00:07:00.079
I do think, you know, I've been very fortunate to work uh in a few different uh men's sports teams and have absolutely loved them and have had a great experience getting to learn how these big organizations operate and how they function and how to navigate uh, you know, crowds and rooms of executives who may have far more experience than me, may look a lot different than me.
00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:04.160
But just showing up authentically each and every day, working really hard.
00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:18.480
I'm very proud of my work ethic, but I'm also really proud of my ability to connect with people and communicate because at the end of the day, everyone's a human and a person, and they take things home with them, and they've got experiences that none of us know they're going through.
00:07:18.560 --> 00:07:21.120
And so just treating them like a person has been important.
00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:31.120
And I feel very fortunate that I've gotten to do that in a lot of really cool organizations, but none have seeped into my soul in quite the same way the Kansas City current has.
00:07:31.439 --> 00:07:45.519
And um, I'm just so proud to get to watch these young women, these young men who come to our matches and experience soccer or experience women's professional sports in the way that we get to display it each and every day.
00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:50.720
And I'm just fortunate that I get to be a small part of that in making that experience come to life.
00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:52.879
So, what drew you to the Kansas City current?
00:07:53.040 --> 00:08:00.000
This will be my last question for getting back to the origin stories, but like obviously, like we can see what's going on here.
00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:02.240
But what ultimately drew you to Kansas City?
00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:04.639
Yeah, I mean, a few things I could point to.
00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:11.759
I had already been thinking a little bit about women's sports and and maybe making that transition to work in women's professional sports.
00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:32.480
And so when this opportunity came along and I had the chance to speak with Raymond Raven Jemison, our president, and then meet Angie and Chris Long, uh, I was just blown away by how they were thinking about the organization, the investment that Chris and Angie have made in this organization, its facilities, its surrounding facilities, its players.
00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:37.679
I thought if I'm gonna make this leap, this is this is the organization to to do that for.
00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:45.759
Um, I also um am very fortunate and I feel very proud of the fact that my dad is from Kansas City, born and raised.
00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:49.679
His parents were from Kansas City, his parents' parents um were around here.
00:08:49.919 --> 00:09:02.480
So it feels very special to come back to his hometown, even if I didn't grow up here, and to see how the city has grown, to see how it's brought sports to the international stage and to get to be part of an organization like this.
00:09:02.639 --> 00:09:04.639
It's been, it was, it was hard to say no.
00:09:04.799 --> 00:09:07.120
I couldn't imagine saying no looking back.
00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:26.639
And now that you're here, you're in it, you have a lot of passion projects, I guess you could say, that you're working on, but that's kind of what comes with the territory of being in your position and trying to create this sustainable business model that a lot of people are looking at and aspiring to be and to accomplish.
00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:33.039
Now, uh the current has shown that women's sports can be a powerful business model, not just this inspiring story.
00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:41.360
So when you sit down with prospective partners, what do you think makes the Casey Current opportunity so different from anything else?
00:09:42.480 --> 00:09:47.039
Yeah, I think it's important part that you said, which is it's good for business.
00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:58.320
I think there are so many studies that you can see now that point to the fact that that brands that invest in women's sports teams are getting the ROI on their investment.
00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:04.879
Uh, the fans of women's professional sports treat sponsors differently than those who are fans of men's sports.
00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:09.759
They're buying the products, they're engaging with the brands, they love the brands.
00:10:09.919 --> 00:10:15.840
And so the ability to speak to that ROI and value for a partner, I think goes a long way.
00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:25.039
It's really important for us that we want people who, you know, believe in what we're doing, not just because it is good, but because it's also good for business.
00:10:25.200 --> 00:10:26.639
And we believe that strongly.
00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:34.480
I think it comes across whenever I talk about this organization, how passionate I am about what we're building and what we're doing and where we still have to go.
00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:39.679
And I think that comes across when I talk about it in front of partners, but also when anyone on our team does.
00:10:39.840 --> 00:10:47.360
And then if they have a chance to hear from Chris and Angie to hear that vision, I think they're sold just as much that this is good for their brand.
00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:50.639
Um, and it's a great partnership to invest in.
00:10:50.879 --> 00:11:05.919
I mean, the synergies between the partners of the Kansas City Current and the partners in general, I feel like in my experience in sports, is very different because you're not gonna go into a partnership without believing the same things, without having the same missions and the same goals.
00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:22.399
And really at the end of the day, how many times have we had conversations around, okay, well, we're gonna partner with Yeti because they believe in the same things that we do, or we're going to partner with Hive because they also believe in the same things that we do and are trying to accomplish that bigger goal.
00:11:22.639 --> 00:11:31.759
Is there a partnership or activation in particular that has like stuck out to you that's been really special, or do you have any like fun stories of how some of these partnerships came to be?
00:11:32.159 --> 00:11:36.080
Yeah, I'm really proud of a lot of our partnerships, and you named two of them, Yeti, High V.
00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:47.039
I think one of the ones that I think really speaks to the types of partners we want to get involved in or get involved with is a partner like our Vest Bank.
00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:54.639
Um they came to the table and said, you know, we want to continue to make our mark in Kansas City, but we also want to promote you.
00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:56.559
We want to showcase you.
00:11:56.720 --> 00:12:14.960
And those are the partnerships that work best for us, are those that not only are we giving them the value and demonstrating our, you know, that they are an awesome brand by showing them on our LED screens or having their name on our on our facility, but they're also brands that show up in t-shirts on Tuesdays in their branches.
00:12:15.120 --> 00:12:19.200
They put our pictures on their billboards or on the side of a bus.
00:12:19.440 --> 00:12:25.840
They are just as proud to be partners as of ours as we are of them to be partners of ours, if that if that makes sense.
00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:26.399
Total sense.
00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:26.559
Yes.
00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.320
And Rvest is a great example of that.
00:12:28.399 --> 00:12:30.879
But so are all the ones you named, CPKC.
00:12:31.039 --> 00:12:35.360
I mean, every partnership we have, we try to be holistic and integrated.
00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:38.879
It's not just about signage and impressions, it's about so much more than that.
00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:50.480
It's about investment in community, it's about showcasing players, it's about storytelling, it's about hospitality and getting their employees and customers out to witness a game at CPKC Stadium.
00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:54.720
We really want it to be that holistic type of partnership, and we have so many great examples of that.
00:12:54.960 --> 00:13:08.559
Well, you set up my next question on a T, literally, because CPKC Stadium is right outside here at the KC Current uh studios, and just a hop, skip, and a jump right across Current Landing.
00:13:08.799 --> 00:13:28.159
And what CPKC has done as a partner is monumental, and it also has changed the face of women's sports by partnering with the first stadium built for a women's professional team, and just what that has done and what that's set up for history in the making is right here happening in our own backyard.
00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:42.000
But the stadium aspect of it and being the only one for women's sports, how does that change what your role entails and selling sponsorships there and partnerships, but also revenue?
00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:45.600
Like having your own stadium just changes the game, right?
00:13:45.840 --> 00:13:47.840
Oh, unbelievably.
00:13:48.000 --> 00:14:17.679
I mean, if you think about all the opportunities that a men's professional sports team has with owning their own venue and their ability to drive revenue and diversify their revenue, we we have that ability here at CPKC Stadium, whether that's to the point you made, being able to have more elements that we can put in a partnership from physical signage to um hospitality and ticketing to event spaces, all of that we can include in a partnership, which just only increases the value to a partner.
00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:18.000
Yeah.
00:14:18.159 --> 00:14:22.720
But also we get to, you know, really control the food and beverage experience.
00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:28.159
We get to control the private event space and how we rent our spaces out.
00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:38.639
Um, we get to think about parking, we get to think about the programming that happens outside of just Kansas City current matches with rugby and lacrosse and college athletics.
00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:40.960
So we just have so many more opportunities.
00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:52.240
One, to leverage this space as a community asset and have people come and see it and try it out and experience it in different ways, but also to really diversify where we can get revenue.
00:14:52.559 --> 00:14:58.799
So I have seen the first episode of Tad Lasso probably six times at this point.
00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:02.480
My husband saw it for the first time just last week.
00:15:02.799 --> 00:15:12.639
And that moment for the current, yes, it was a lot of work behind the scenes, and obviously between the two of us, like did some stuff to make that happen.
00:15:12.799 --> 00:15:28.080
Um, but also like the trickle-down effect of what CPKC Stadium means to this community, to actors like Jason Sidakis, and writing that love letter because of the vision of Angie and Chris Long and what they've done here.
00:15:28.399 --> 00:15:31.519
And what has that done?
00:15:31.679 --> 00:15:42.720
I mean, I get text messages all the time saying, like, look, I've got my current Ted Lasso shirt on, or like, oh my gosh, that was the coolest thing to see the current on this international stage and this platform.
00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:45.519
But like, what does that do in conversations even for you?
00:15:45.679 --> 00:15:52.159
Because like communications is very much like, wow, cool, brands out there, but like it's different for you, right?
00:15:52.480 --> 00:16:01.120
Yeah, well, maybe before I'll answer the question, I'll I'll tell you the amount of text messages I've received that have been, is that supposed to be you in the teal suit?
00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:01.679
Yes.
00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:04.559
And I say, no, that's my colleague Danny.
00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:10.080
Uh, because uh very humbly to me, I often get confused with you.
00:16:10.159 --> 00:16:13.440
And so this show has come and people are like, oh, that must be you.
00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:14.960
And I'm like, you can take it.
00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:15.519
That's fine.
00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:16.159
It can be mixed.
00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:21.440
I think it's meant to be Danny, but um, I do need to get a suit of that teal color.
00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:23.279
I have a dark teal, but not quite that teal.
00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.399
Um, we can make that happen.
00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:24.960
How does that sound?
00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:27.039
Um, I'm here for Twinkies on match day.
00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:27.759
Let's go.
00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:29.519
And then people will never guess who we are.
00:16:30.399 --> 00:16:31.039
We can just swap.
00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:31.600
I love that.
00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:32.720
Great idea.
00:16:32.879 --> 00:16:36.000
Um, I, you know, it's been it's been unbelievable.
00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:36.320
Yeah.
00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:47.759
Uh brands or organizations that maybe didn't really know who we were and how we existed, or, you know, that we existed before have said, oh, I know who you are.
00:16:47.919 --> 00:16:50.000
You were on that episode of Ted Lasso.
00:16:50.399 --> 00:17:01.840
So I think one, it's brought a few, uh, you know, it's brought uh new brands to the table that perhaps weren't thinking about investing in women's sports before or weren't thinking about investing in a Kansas City team.
00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:03.279
I think that's been great.
00:17:03.519 --> 00:17:10.319
And then it's also just been great to point to the fact that we are building more than just a soccer team.
00:17:10.400 --> 00:17:21.519
Um, we are building a brand, we are building an organization that stands for so much more content, entertainment, um, movie nights, concerts, festivals.
00:17:21.680 --> 00:17:28.240
Um, we want to be, you know, obviously known for the best part of this, which is the women's soccer on the field.
00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:36.559
Um, but it gives us the ability to, like I said before, become even bigger of a community asset and and showcase everything we're doing in different ways.
00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:45.200
And I think Ted Lasso and being involved in that first episode of the newest season has been a has been great for us to show, you know what, we're also part of invertainment.
00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:52.000
We're we're internationally being shown on the television, and I think that's great for our brand and and for our organization.
00:17:52.079 --> 00:18:02.000
And hopefully it brings more people out to our matches, it brings more people to to want to buy our merchandise, to follow us on social media, um, and be really excited about what we're doing.
00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:05.119
Yeah, I've had people in Brazil even reach out to me and say, What?
00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:11.200
We saw you guys on Ted Lasso, and I'm like, oh now this was obviously a Portuguese exchange via WhatsApp, of course.
00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.880
So there was some translation involved.
00:18:12.960 --> 00:18:15.359
Um, but it was that ecstatic the entire time.
00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:16.079
The energy.
00:18:16.319 --> 00:18:16.720
I love it.
00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:22.640
And it's like you read my questions ahead of time or something because you keep setting me up for this as we go into the next one.
00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:30.960
But you talked about being a community asset, having festivals out here, having these moments that are bigger than what's happening on the pitch.
00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:37.519
And I think for a lot of fans in Kansas City, one current 2026 very much represents that.
00:18:37.680 --> 00:18:43.279
It's bigger home, bigger future, the opportunity to talk about the expansion.
00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:47.200
Why should people come and be a part of this from your perspective?
00:18:48.640 --> 00:18:53.039
At the current, we're obviously very proud of everything we've done to date.
00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:55.759
But there is so much more to come.
00:18:56.079 --> 00:19:01.279
And that shows up with what CPKC Stadium might look like in a couple of years.
00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:06.799
That's what this neighborhood and current landing is going to look like over the next several years.
00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:11.119
Um, one current is just a really amazing showcase of that.
00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:22.720
It proves that we are a place and a time and a team and a brand and an organization that just continues to move the needle and do amazing things.
00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:44.799
Um, from the experience inside the stadium that fans will get to be part of for Fan Appreciation Day on a regular last or last regular season match of the season to the experience we're gonna build outside with music, food, uh, and our restaurant partners, um, giveaways, activities, new viewing angles.
00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:50.400
Um, it's just gonna be a really vibrant, exciting festival-like atmosphere.
00:19:50.559 --> 00:19:53.039
Imagine you're on the grounds at the US Open.
00:19:53.279 --> 00:20:02.400
Um, there's gonna be so much excitement and energy, and we want to showcase that as we go into the postseason, as we go into 2027 and beyond.
00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:07.680
It's just an exciting kind of kickoff to this, like you said, bigger home, bigger future.
00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:10.880
And we're excited to get people down here and experience it.
00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.480
It's gonna be so lit.
00:20:12.720 --> 00:20:13.359
Let's so pump.
00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:14.559
It's gonna be so fun.
00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:20.640
Like all of the planning and everything that's going into this right now, fans are gonna have the absolute best time.
00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:24.799
So if you haven't, KansasCityCurrent.com, get your tickets today, okay?
00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:25.519
There's my plug.
00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:29.680
Shameless, shameless because we want them, we want everyone to be down there.
00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:31.680
18,000, let's do it.
00:20:31.920 --> 00:20:39.200
Um so as this club grows and we talk about growth and we talk about being the best women's football club in the world.
00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:49.599
How do you want Kansas City Current to change the way that brands think about investing in women's sports over the next five years, over the next 10 years?
00:20:50.880 --> 00:20:52.240
You know, I said it before.
00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:56.880
I think initially brands were investing in women's sports because it was good.
00:20:57.039 --> 00:21:04.640
It was, oh, we were the first to do this, and it's you know part of an initiative to show that we care uh about women.
00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:11.920
Um, I think over time we're seeing that just continue to be um not just flipped on its head, but it's more than that.
00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:19.279
It is that it is good for your organization, it's good for your business, and I think that's only going to expand and grow.
00:21:19.440 --> 00:21:23.119
I think you're gonna see media rights deals that continue to get bigger.
00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:28.400
I think you're gonna continue to see more and more non-traditional brands play in the space.
00:21:28.559 --> 00:21:38.880
And you're already seeing that with makeup companies or um tampons or deodorants types of brands that didn't necessarily spend in professional sports before starting to spend.
00:21:38.960 --> 00:21:40.480
I think you're gonna continue to see that.
00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:46.079
I think you're gonna start to see more traditional brands spend in women's professional sports.
00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:58.000
Maybe they weren't before, because if you look at those who are watching women's professional sports, um, you know, they are one engaging with brands, but also oftentimes women hold a lot of the purchasing power in the home.
00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.839
And so brands want to get in front of those folks.
00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:06.880
So I think you're going to just continue to see new types of brands, some of the stalwarts play in the space as well.
00:22:07.359 --> 00:22:15.920
And as media rights continue to grow, and you know, we've got the Women's World Cup in 2027 in Brazil, we've got the Olympics in 2028 in LA.
00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:22.079
We're going to see interest in soccer, I think, continue to grow and expand, and more brands want to be part of that.
00:22:22.480 --> 00:22:30.160
I really just think you're going to see the continued proliferation and excitement of women's sports that we're already starting to see.
00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:34.400
But I think it's just, it's on a rocket ship that's just going to continue to fly.
00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:45.680
And we hope that we are paving the way and also creating these opportunities for young professionals as well to get into this industry, to get into women's sports.
00:22:45.839 --> 00:22:49.759
And, you know, we talk about we want to be the first, but we don't want to be the last.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:55.039
And so being able to do that set the precedent for the next generation, both on the pitch and off the pitch.
00:22:55.359 --> 00:23:01.839
Missy, what's some advice you would give to a young professional who wants to get into the business side of sports, but doesn't really know where to start?
00:23:02.160 --> 00:23:16.079
Yeah, um, I'm gonna answer a slightly different question before I answer that question, uh, which is you know, we talk a lot about how special it is to see these um young girls and young boys come into CPKC Stadium and they know nothing different.
00:23:16.240 --> 00:23:17.920
You talk a lot about Cameron all the time.
00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:24.240
Doesn't know anything different than a professional team with its own facility built for women in Kansas City.
00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:36.240
I think a lot of times working in sports is the same way that these newer generations, we want them to see that there are women in professional sports today, that it's always been that way, even if it hasn't.
00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:44.720
And I feel that way about my role in and working in the industry as well, which is it's possible, it's here.
00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:47.119
You've got to learn to find your voice.
00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:56.000
And I think that's probably the toughest part about being a woman in a in an industry that's been traditionally dominated by men is feeling confident in a room.
00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:59.599
And so one of my biggest pieces of advice is always just start small.
00:23:59.680 --> 00:23:59.920
Yeah.
00:24:00.079 --> 00:24:04.880
Offer to be the note taker, offer to summarize the to-dos at the end of the meeting.
00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:09.680
Doing that is just the first way to say, I've got a voice, I can speak up in this room.
00:24:09.839 --> 00:24:16.400
And then you'll start to stand a little taller and you'll start to feel more confident that you can lead the meeting or ask and push back.
00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:25.599
Um, and I think you just got to start small and build your way up and find advocates and mentors, people who you want to be like, see how they did it, ask them questions.
00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:26.079
Yeah.
00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:33.359
And I hope that I can be that for those young professionals in the industry and as they find their way in this in sports as well.
00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:35.759
I have no doubt that you are and you will.
00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:38.079
I tell you what, I just got a little bit choked up.
00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:38.880
So thank you for doing that.
00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:45.200
I knew we were gonna do this to each other, but there is nothing quite like seeing a five-year-old do cartwheels underneath the words of Title IX.
00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.640
There is nothing quite like it.
00:24:46.799 --> 00:24:55.599
So to be able to impact young women and men both on and off the pitch and show what the possibilities are is incredible.
00:24:55.680 --> 00:25:02.240
And we're also seeing that even with the expansion of um the NWSL in general, the job opportunities are endless.
00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:05.759
So get out, be a part of it, make your voice heard.
00:25:06.000 --> 00:25:10.880
Um, but my last question for you before we have a little bit of fun is super serious.
00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:13.519
So buckle in.
00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:15.680
Um take a sip of water.
00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:25.759
So, Missy, when you look back on your time with the current, what impact, what legacy do you want to have left?
00:25:27.519 --> 00:25:29.759
Ooh, it's heavy hitting.
00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:39.039
Uh I don't feel like I've necessarily been here long enough to say that I have made that sort of long-lasting legacy yet.
00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.319
Understandable.
00:25:40.640 --> 00:25:50.799
But I want to be, you know, when my time here ends at the current, whenever that may be, hopefully that's many, many, many moons from now.
00:25:51.039 --> 00:26:05.279
Um, I want to be known as someone who showed up every day, was a hard worker, but also was a lot of fun to be around, was empathetic, um, was enjoyable to work with.
00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:08.240
And I want to be known that that as a colleague and as a professional.
00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:18.559
And then more broadly, I just want to be proud that I gave and was a small part of giving fans who walked in that door the best experience possible.
00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:42.720
Whether that's working to make sure we have partners who want to give cool giveaways, or we've got fun food and beverage vendors who give you the best possible nacho you could ever imagine having at a sports venue, or I've worked alongside a colleague who makes sure that the in-game feature that we do is super fun and enjoyable, and someone got to be shown on the big screen.
00:26:42.960 --> 00:26:52.880
Um I was so proud when I learned that my eight-year-old niece wore her Kansas City Current t-shirt to school on her first day of school.
00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:55.680
She lives in Virginia, not even in Kansas City.
00:26:56.480 --> 00:27:00.240
She wore her Kansas City Current jersey to school pictures.
00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:15.440
The fact that I was a small part in getting her to do that, and she's gonna be so proud to tell her friends that her aunt works for the Kansas City Current is something that I hope extends to other kids, to other families, not just because of me, but because of what the current have done more broadly.
00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:18.000
I'm not sure I really answered the question.
00:27:18.240 --> 00:27:19.200
It was beautiful.
00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:20.640
No, that was amazing.
00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:24.880
Okay, so I've only got you for like a couple more seconds, so we're gonna blaze through the storm round.
00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.359
Are you ready?
00:27:25.519 --> 00:27:25.920
I'm ready.
00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.400
Okay.
00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:28.400
First concert you ever attended.
00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:30.480
Crosby Stills, Nash and Young.
00:27:30.880 --> 00:27:32.799
Your dream brand collaboration.
00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:34.640
Any company in the entire world.
00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.640
This is a really hard one.
00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:42.640
I need to answer more quickly.
00:27:45.839 --> 00:27:48.079
I love Nike, but we already work with Nike.
00:27:48.799 --> 00:27:50.799
Um, let's go with.
00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:57.279
I love Yeti and we already work with Yeti.
00:27:57.440 --> 00:27:57.920
I don't know.
00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:59.519
Um we can just say that.
00:27:59.680 --> 00:27:59.839
Okay.
00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:00.720
We can say in Nike.
00:28:01.119 --> 00:28:03.119
I want to do even more with Nike with Yeti.
00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:03.920
Okay, I love it.
00:28:04.079 --> 00:28:05.359
Bigger and bolder with Yeti.
00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.400
Ooh, like that.
00:28:06.640 --> 00:28:07.440
Mic drop.
00:28:07.599 --> 00:28:08.480
Let's move on.
00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:11.599
What's one Kansas City spot you always recommend for out of town visitors?
00:28:11.759 --> 00:28:13.279
Oh, Farina all day, every day.
00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.880
Best restaurant in Kansas City.
00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:16.079
I go every Tuesday.
00:28:16.240 --> 00:28:20.640
It's legitimately the best restaurant anyone should go, whether you're in Kansas City or outside of Kansas City.
00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.160
Okay, uh, networking opportunity.
00:28:22.240 --> 00:28:23.359
Tuesdays at Farina.
00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:26.160
Uh, if you weren't working in sports, what would you be doing?
00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:28.000
I'd probably be a teacher.
00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.960
Love teachers.
00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.720
I wish I was better at it, but much love to all teachers.
00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:35.200
Best piece of advice you've ever received.
00:28:36.720 --> 00:28:39.359
Find yourself advocates and be an advocate.
00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:40.079
That's good.
00:28:40.319 --> 00:28:42.480
One thing fans would be surprised to learn about you.
00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:51.119
As extroverted as I seem, I really sometimes like to just spend time by myself in my pajamas watching television.
00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.480
I think there's a new word for that.
00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:53.519
I think they've discovered it.
00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:54.720
So we'll have to research.
00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:56.000
An introverted extrovert?
00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:58.079
I mean it's like an over overtrovert.
00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:58.480
Okay.
00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.440
Overtrovert.
00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:00.079
Okay.
00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:00.640
I like that.
00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:01.359
We'll go with that.
00:29:01.599 --> 00:29:02.319
Overtrovert.
00:29:02.799 --> 00:29:03.039
I don't know.
00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:04.319
Sorry, don't hold me to that.
00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.519
Uh, perfect day off.
00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:08.400
Packed itinerary or absolutely no plants.
00:29:09.119 --> 00:29:11.440
This is a little at odds with what I just said.
00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:14.960
Probably a packed itinerary that ends at like 8 p.m.
00:29:15.200 --> 00:29:18.880
So I can go home and reset before I go to bed at 9 p.m.
00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.000
That very much aligns.
00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:20.960
No, I think you're good there.
00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:21.440
I think you're good.
00:29:21.519 --> 00:29:21.920
All right, great.
00:29:22.079 --> 00:29:23.759
All right, Missy, this has been fantastic.
00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.640
Thank you so much.
00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:27.200
I love the opportunity to spend time with you, period.
00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:31.359
So, all of those things you want to be remembered by, girly chicken them off.
00:29:31.680 --> 00:29:32.480
Thank you for having me.
00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:33.200
Loved it.
00:29:33.359 --> 00:29:34.400
Love this podcast.
00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:35.359
We're having a good time.
00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:35.920
And love you.
00:29:36.480 --> 00:29:37.680
Oh, love you too.
00:29:39.039 --> 00:29:39.839
It's not good at doing that.
00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:40.720
I'm not gonna cry.
00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.240
All right.
00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:44.079
Thank you for taking us behind the scenes.
00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:44.960
I'm not gonna cry.
00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:48.000
We'll see you guys next week, right here on the Casey Current Podcast.
00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.519
Be inspired Kansas City.
