If you woke up this morning and your first thought was who is Kansas City playing today, you’re probably looking for that classic Red Kingdom playoff energy. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’re checking the NFL divisional round bracket for Patrick Mahomes, you won’t find him.
The Chiefs aren't on the field today, January 17, 2026. Honestly, it feels weird. After years of hosting the AFC Championship at Arrowhead, the 2025-2026 season ended a bit earlier than we’re used to. But don’t click away just yet. While the big stadium on One Arrowhead Drive is quiet, there is actually some Kansas City action happening today if you’re willing to look toward the pitch and the hardwood.
The Short Answer: Who Is Kansas City Playing Today?
For the fans asking who is Kansas City playing today, the primary answer isn’t the Chiefs; it’s the Kansas City Roos and Sporting KC.
The Kansas City Roos (UMKC) women’s basketball team is hosting St. Thomas (MN) right now. It’s a Summit League clash, and if you’re a fan of mid-major hoops, this is where the local energy is centered today. Meanwhile, Sporting KC is officially kicking off their 2026 preseason down in Florida. They are playing a friendly against Florida International University (FIU) this morning.
I know, I know. It’s not a primetime NFL matchup against the Bills or the Bengals. But in a transition year for KC sports, these are the games on the calendar.
📖 Related: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
Why aren't the Chiefs playing?
It’s been a tough pill to swallow for the Kingdom. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Chiefs aren't part of the Divisional Round conversation. The NFL playoffs are absolutely rolling today—the Denver Broncos are taking on the Buffalo Bills, and the 49ers are facing the Seahawks—but Kansas City is watching from the couch this year.
The Chiefs wrapped up their 2025 season with a loss to the Raiders on January 4th, finishing a season that many analysts are calling a "reloading" phase. We saw some flashes of the old magic, but the consistency just wasn't there. Andy Reid and Brett Veach are already looking toward the 2026 draft and free agency, which officially kicks off in a few months.
Sporting KC: The New Era Under Raphael Wicky
While the NFL world focuses on Denver and Seattle, Sporting KC fans have something new to chew on. Today marks the unofficial debut of the Raphael Wicky era. Sporting is currently in West Palm Beach for the first leg of their 2026 preseason.
Today's match against FIU (kickoff was at 9 a.m. CT) isn't televised, which is a bummer, but it’s the first chance for the staff to see the 17 players currently under contract in a game environment. Keep an eye on the new guys like Kwaku Agyabeng and Cielo Tschantret. This 2026 roster is looking younger and faster, which is exactly what the fans have been screaming for after the last two middling seasons.
👉 See also: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
College Hoops: The Roos at Swinney Center
If you actually want to go to a game in person today, the Roos are your best bet. The Summit League is always a grind, and St. Thomas is a tough out.
The Roos have been leaning heavily on Emani Bennett, who’s been putting up solid numbers lately. It’s a 2 p.m. tip-off at the Swinney Center. If you’ve never been, it’s a great, intimate environment for basketball. It's affordable, it's local, and honestly, it's better than sitting around moping about the Chiefs not being in the playoffs.
What about the rest of KC Sports?
If you were looking for the Kansas City Current or the Royals, you’ve got a bit of a wait.
The Current just released their 2026 schedule a couple of days ago. Their season doesn't start until March 14 when they play the Utah Royals at CPKC Stadium. That stadium is still the crown jewel of the riverfront, and tickets for the 2026 season are already becoming a hot commodity.
✨ Don't miss: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
As for the Royals, they are still in "winter mode." Pitchers and catchers don't report to Surprise, Arizona, for another few weeks. Their first spring training game is set for February 20 against the Texas Rangers.
Actionable Next Steps for KC Fans
So, what do you do with your Saturday if Kansas City isn't playing a high-stakes football game?
- Watch the NFL Divisional Games anyway: The Broncos vs. Bills game (4:30 p.m. ET on CBS) has massive implications for the AFC West. Rooting for a Bills win is basically a civic duty in KC when the Broncos are involved.
- Follow Sporting KC PR: Since the FIU match isn't broadcast, follow @SportingKC_PR on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates and final scores from the Florida training camp.
- Check out the Current's Schedule: Since the 2026 NWSL schedule just dropped on January 15, now is the time to circle those home dates at CPKC Stadium before single-game tickets go on sale to the general public on January 20.
- Support the Roos: Head down to 5100 Cherry St. if you're in the city. There’s something special about supporting the local collegiate teams when the pro spotlight is off.
It’s a different kind of Saturday in Kansas City. No tailgate smoke at Arrowhead, no "Tomahawk Chop" echoing through the parking lots. But the city's sports scene never truly sleeps. Whether it's a preseason soccer friendly in Florida or a conference basketball game in midtown, there’s always someone representing the 816.
Check back tomorrow for the Sunday playoff slate, but for today, the answer to who is Kansas City playing today is simple: we're playing the waiting game for next season, while cheering on the Roos and Sporting from afar.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking to attend a game today, head to the Swinney Center for the Roos vs. St. Thomas at 2:00 PM. For those staying home, the Buffalo vs. Denver game at 3:30 PM CT is the "must-watch" for AFC West fans to scout the competition for 2026.