What happened: Sporting Kansas City officially signed 26 athletes and partners to its Special Olympics Unified Team for the 2026 season during a ceremony at Children's Mercy Park. The roster, selected from April tryouts, received personalized kits and signed professional-style contracts to represent the club in upcoming MLS Unified competitions.
Why it matters: The program marks the 11th year of partnership between Sporting KC, The Victory Project, and Special Olympics chapters in Kansas and Missouri to promote social inclusion. Sporting KC players Jansen Miller and Stefan Cleveland will serve as team ambassadors as the squad prepares for high-profile matches against St. Louis City SC and Minnesota United FC.
By the numbers: The 2026 roster features 26 total players including both Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners. This season's schedule focuses on a two-game rivalry series against St. Louis and Minnesota.
What to watch: The Unified Team will begin training for their upcoming matches against rival MLS Unified squads later this summer.