The Kansas City Chiefs have been nominated for the “Sports Team of the Year” award by Sports Business Journal (SBJ) in their 17th annual Sports Business Awards. This nomination was announced on Monday, alongside four other finalists: Inter Miami CF, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Texas Rangers, and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Chiefs President Mark Donovan expressed gratitude for the nomination, highlighting the organization’s hard work and dedication. He praised Sports Business Journal for being an industry standard and acknowledged the significance of the Sports Business Awards in recognizing excellence in the sports business realm.
The Chiefs’ nomination showcased several achievements and initiatives during the qualifying period:
1. Their innovative approach to the 2023 regular season game in Germany against the Dolphins, which featured the custom-wrapped ChampionShip as a central entertainment and activity hub.
2. The role played by the team in the successful hosting of the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City, which saw a significant attendance and included the largest club-sponsored Draft activation, the Chiefs Kingdom Experience.
3. Emphasizing non-game events to maintain GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium as a premier sports and entertainment destination, resulting in a record-breaking events season.
4. Hosting the 2023 NFL Kickoff Game at GEHA Field, accompanied by the World’s Largest Tailgate presented by Bud Light and a virtual tailgate experience on ChiefsLive.com.
5. A notable 20.9% growth in the club’s social media following during the qualifying period, making the Chiefs the fifth-most followed team in the NFL.
Additionally, the Chiefs’ on-field success was highlighted, including their sixth-straight AFC Championship Game appearance in January 2024 and their victory in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
The winners in each category will be announced at a live dinner and awards ceremony in New York City on Wednesday, May 22, with the qualifying period spanning from March 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024.
