Sporting Kansas City co-owner Cliff Illig was presented with the Kansas City Sports Commission's Legacy Award on Wednesday at the 2026 Kansas City Sports Awards presented by Populous inside the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
“This year has been extraordinary for Kansas City sports. The momentum generated by local, national, and international events has elevated our community and reinforced that Kansas City is not only a premier sports destination, but also home to the exceptional people who make it all possible,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission. “We are proud to honor the individuals and teams whose achievements continue to put Kansas City in the spotlight.”
The annual award show honored the following seven award winners:
Spirt Community Champion
Jason Sudeikis
KC Native & Philanthropist
Polsinelli Sportsman of the Year
Keaton Wagler
University of Illinois Men’s Basketball & Shawnee Mission Northwest Alumnus
Children’s Mercy Sportswoman of the Year
Jaliya Davis
University of Kansas Women’s Basketball
Burns & McDonnell Coaches of the Year
Rand Chappell
Johnson County Community College Men’s Basketball
&
Ben Conrad
Johnson County Community College Women’s Basketball
T-Mobile Legacy Award
Cliff Illig
Sporting Kansas City
McCownGordon Construction Executive of the Year
Pam Kramer
KC2026
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City & the Kansas City Royals Shut Out the Stigma Advocate Award
Reggie Morris
Raytown South High School Boy’s Basketball
Each year, the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation honors outstanding individuals for their commitment to and achievement in sports. The benefits of sport are long-standing and the awards banquet celebrates all the positive aspects of sports.
The Legacy Award is given to an individual who exemplies all the positive aspects of sport, who has made a signficant impact on the Kansas City community and who has demonstrated sustained success throughout their career in amateur, high school, collegiate or professional sports.
About The Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation
The mission of the Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation is to drive Kansas City’s overall sports strategy, to enrich the quality of life, create economic impact and raise visibility for our region. As a privately-funded nonprofit, we are entirely dependent on your support. For the latest on Kansas City Sports Commission news, follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
