Kansas City Women’s Sports Mogul Champions US Rugby Growth
Angie Long, co-owner of the Kansas City Current, is making waves in women’s sports. Her passion for rugby has helped sell out a US Eagles match against the Australian Wallaroos at CPKC Stadium—a venue that’s become a beacon for women’s pro soccer.
This event is part of the Pacific Four Series. It also features a high-stakes face-off between New Zealand and Canada.
Long grew up a multi-sport athlete in Kansas City. She found rugby at Princeton and now stands out as a mogul in women’s professional sports.
Her journey really shows her grit and vision. Let’s dig into her story and what it might mean for women’s sports in the US.
The Rise of Women’s Rugby in the US
Table of Contents
Angie Long doesn’t just love rugby—she sees it as the future of women’s sports in the US. The Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium, mainly built for women’s soccer, now hosts major rugby events and brings the sport to a bigger crowd.
A Personal Journey
Long’s rugby story started at Princeton. She switched from golf to rugby, and it just clicked with her athletic background.
She played as a fly-half and inside center, using skills from her days as a soccer goalkeeper. Her Princeton team won national championships in 1995 and 1996. That kind of success doesn’t come easy.
Building a Legacy
After college, Long jumped into finance and co-founded Palmer Square Capital Management. Her achievements in finance eventually led her back to sports.
She and her husband Chris revived the Kansas City Current, a women’s pro soccer team. Their work has put a spotlight on both women’s soccer and rugby.
Transforming the Sports Landscape
Long’s dedication to women’s sports goes beyond rugby. She and Chris have invested in top-notch facilities and built an environment that actually supports female athletes.
They’re helping shift how people see women’s sports in the US. It’s a big deal.
Investing in Facilities
The CPKC Stadium holds over 10,500 fans. That’s no small feat.
It’s hosted record-breaking rugby events, like a US vs. Canada match that drew more than 10,500 spectators. These kinds of venues give athletes the stage they really deserve.
Global Influence
The Longs aren’t stopping in the US. They’ve also invested in HB Køge Women, a top Danish soccer team.
That’s real commitment to boosting women’s sports on a global scale.
The Future of Women’s Rugby
Long sees a bright future for women’s rugby in the US. She believes the sport can really take off with the right facilities and exposure.
The success of events like the Pacific Four Series at CPKC Stadium shows that potential is real.
Growing Fanbase
Attendance at women’s rugby matches keeps climbing. There’s clearly growing excitement for the sport.
Long points out that even without big names like Ilona Maher, fans keep showing up. That kind of steady support matters.
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Challenges and Opportunities
Still, women’s rugby faces some hurdles. The sport is mostly semi-professional, and players like Erica Jarrell-Searcy and Alev Kelter often go overseas to play.
But honestly, the potential for growth is huge. With more investment and support, women’s rugby could reach new heights.
Conclusion
Angie Long started out as a multi-sport athlete. Now, she’s become a leading figure in women’s professional sports.
Her drive for rugby and women’s sports is changing the game. Female athletes are finally getting more chances and better facilities—something that’s long overdue, honestly.
The US Eagles are gearing up to play the Australian Wallaroos at CPKC Stadium. It’s hard not to feel hopeful about where women’s rugby in the US is headed.
Curious to dig deeper into her story? Check out the article on The Guardian.