Official: FC Kansas City has new ownership

The anticipated sale of FC Kansas City (FCKC) is now official. It was announced by the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) that Elam Bear, CEO of North Central Equity, LLC, is taking over operations of FC Kansas City.

"I'm honored to be a part of the future of FCKC, whether that is on game day or in the greater Kansas City community," said Baer via press release. "I am fortunate to be joined by exceptional partners who want the same thing that I do, and that's a club built for long-term stability and success in Kansas City."

"On behalf of the league and its owners, I welcome Elam to the NWSL and look forward to working with him and his partners as a new era begins for FC Kansas City," NWSL Commissioner Jeff Plush said in the press release. "Elam is committed to strengthening FC Kansas City's roots throughout the entire Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond. Elam and his partners will look to build off of what has been started by the Likens family, whose support of and many contributions to the establishment and growth of the league will never be forgotten."

Brad Likens, one of FC Kansas City's founders said, "This is a good day for Kansas City, one of the greatest sports towns in the United States. With Elam and his partners committed to the club and our region, I know our organization will be stronger than ever and that this move is not only good for the team, and our fans, but the league as a whole. While there are no certainties in sports, I know FC Kansas City will take the field on opening day poised to compete for another NWSL championship."

Jean-Yves Viardin has been named the new general manager, joining Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski on the Executive Staff. Viardin has both executive management and playing experience.

FC Kansas City and the Kansas City Comets had shared ownership and staff. This will break apart most of those connections. Baer and Viardin will focus on the front office staff while Andonovski continues ot build the team. The Comets will remain under the ownership of Chris, Brad and Greg Likens and some of the staff will be retained by the group.