Sporting KC Proposes New Stadium for Des Moines
A new $60 million soccer stadium proposal for Des Moines has surfaced following the expiration of the Krause Group's agreement.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Soccer
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Sporting KC and Hometown Soccer Holdings have unveiled plans for a 5,500-seat soccer stadium in Des Moines. This proposal follows the expiration of the Krause Group's exclusive negotiating window with the city, which concluded in August without a finalized financial incentives deal.
Why it matters
The introduction of this proposal reflects broader efforts by entities like the USL to secure public support for infrastructure as soccer markets continue to expand across the United States. It signals a shift in the local development landscape as organizations compete to establish professional stadium projects.
The proposed venue features a 5,500-seat capacity with a construction budget of $60 million. This follows a prior, larger Krause Group proposal that was estimated at $600 million.
The players
Sporting KC
Sporting KC is a professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer and is currently exploring new stadium development opportunities.
The Krause Group
The Krause Group is a development organization that previously held exclusive negotiating rights for a stadium project in Des Moines.
Hometown Soccer Holdings
Hometown Soccer Holdings is a firm that develops commercial stadium plans for cities to secure public involvement in soccer infrastructure.
The details
Hometown Soccer Holdings is actively presenting commercial plans to municipal governments to facilitate public-private partnerships for stadium construction. The effort comes as the USL prepares to launch its new USL Premier league to support an evolving professional soccer landscape.
Timeline
August 2026: The Krause Group's exclusive negotiating window with the city expired.
2027-28 season: The USL plans to launch the new USL Premier league.
2028: The USL intends to officially institute a system of promotion and relegation.
Season Trajectory
This project aligns with the United States' broader transition toward the USL's 2028 promotion and relegation system. By securing local stadium commitments now, development groups position their venues to anchor teams within this new professional pyramid.
The transition from a $600 million project to a $60 million proposal significantly lowers the threshold for potential public funding approval. Residents may see a more compressed timeline for site selection now that the exclusivity period with the Krause Group has concluded.
The takeaway
The pivot to a smaller stadium capacity highlights a tactical shift in how professional soccer clubs approach new markets. Stakeholders should monitor future city council agendas to see if these commercial plans receive necessary public support.
What happens next
The USL is scheduled to launch the USL Premier league during the 2027-28 season and will institute a promotion and relegation structure in 2028.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving professional landscape, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportsbusinessjournal.
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