From NBA’s Lakers to NWSL’s Current, the water’s just fine for new KC team president

Blair Kerkhoff
·1 min read

Allison Howard left her job with one of the world’s most recognizable professional sports brands — the Los Angeles Lakers, where she served as vice-president of corporate partnerships — to become the president of a team that’s looking to expand its identity: the Kansas City Current.

On today’s episode of The Star’s SportsBeat KC podcast, Howard sits down with host Blair Kerkhoff to discuss her move to the Heartland and the challenges she faces with the NWSL team in its second season.

After a break, soccer reporter Daniel Sperry discusses Sporting Kansas City’s struggles. One of Major League Soccer’s most successful franchises finds itself at the bottom of the Western Conference standings; what’s gone wrong for Peter Vermes’ club, and what must Sporting do to reverse its fortunes?

NWSL goalkeeper saves leaders

Adrianna Franch, KC Current: 27

Joyce Tullis Phallon, OL Reign: 24

Katie Lund, Louisville: 20

Story links:

In latest sign of ambitions, KC Current hires Los Angeles Lakers exec as president

Sporting KC falls into Western Conference cellar with 1-0 home loss to Vancouver