What Should Expectations be for Sporting KC in 2025?

To say that the 2024 Sporting Kansas City season didn’t go as planned would be an understatement. The team finished next to last in the Western Conference and were unofficially out of the playoff race earlier than most can remember. They were fighting to not “win” the Wooden Spoon for far longer than they were fighting to climb into the playoff race.

And 2024 isn’t alone as a bad season. In 2023, the team managed an unworldly points pace over the summer to climb into the playoffs on Decision Day, but they were really bad for huge stretches of that season. They also missed the playoffs in 2022. And 2019.

Fans, podcasters, pundits, media, players and coaches have all grown weary with all the losing in recent seasons. Sporting KC are supposed to be a small-market upstart that punches above their weight. But the heavyweights of MLS have been punching down at the little guy for a while.

There is, however, reason for hope.

Last season, we all learned that ownership had not provided a budget since 2020. Every time Peter Vermes wanted to sign a big player, he had to get permission. It’s hard to have a plan when you don’t have a budget.

That isn’t a problem any longer. Sporting KC announced they are giving Vermes and Sporting Director Mike Burns, the “largest budget in club history.” And the team is putting it to use with a large overhaul this offseason. Nine players have departed with eight new players coming in. Three of those players, Dejan Joveljic, Manu Garcia and Shapi Suleymanov arrive for a reported $9 million combined dollars in transfer fees.

Everything is Fixed, Right?

Not so fast. While the team has changed drastically, Vermes and Burns have been very clear this is just the first transfer window in a three window rebuild. And this window doesn’t even close until April 23rd. Then there is the summer window and next winter’s window.

Even then, it takes time for a team to find chemistry.

Case in point: Garcia arrived less than a week ago and didn’t practice with his teammates until last Friday. Suleymanov arrived over the weekend and had his first practice Monday. They may not even play in tonight’s CONCACAF Champions Cup game against Inter Miami. Dejan Joveljic, the other big signing, has only been with the team a few weeks.

In terms of the rebuild extending through the next two windows, almost the entire defense will be out of contract after this season. The team can drastically reshape their back line ahead of the 2026 season. And their defensive midfield. And their goalkeeper room. Things are just getting started.

What Should We Expect Then?

Improvement. It may be incremental or non-existent at first. Tonight’s CCC game could be a historically cold matchup in American soccer history. Combine that with it being the first competitive game on the calendar, many signings just arriving and playing the defending Supporters’ Shield winners, and it’s not exactly a recipe to put your best foot forward.

Then Sporting KC play Austin FC on two days rest on Saturday. Where Austin will be fully rested and at home. Then another two-day rest before a return trip to Miami before a massive three days of rest before the MLS home opener against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Whatever happens in the four games in 11 days, don’t overreact.

As Vermes said in his media day press conference, a month from now this will be a different team. Partially as more players arrive. But also, just as the team grows together and finds their identity.

Alan Pulido leaving accelerated the rebuild, but it’s not going to happen overnight. Temper expectations early and enjoy the ride. Happier days are ahead.