Sporting Kansas City has appointed Raphael Wicky as the club’s fifth permanent head coach in franchise history, the team announced Monday. The Swiss tactician has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract through the 2027-28 season, with a club option for 2028-29, pending receipt of his P1 visa.
Wicky, 47, arrives in Kansas City with recent success in Switzerland, where he led BSC Young Boys to a Swiss Super League and Cup double in 2023. His coaching resume also includes stints with the Chicago Fire in MLS and Swiss powerhouse FC Basel. He will report directly to President of Soccer Operations and General Manager David Lee.
The appointment signals Sporting KC’s intent to return to its winning ways after recent struggles. The club has historically been one of MLS’s most successful franchises but has sought stability and a return to trophy contention in recent seasons.
“Sporting KC has always been a team that competed to win trophies and I feel that the club has all the ingredients to get back to where it belongs – great ownership, amazing facilities, a talented academy and a beautiful stadium with fantastic fans,” Wicky said in a statement.
Lee emphasized that Wicky’s tactical philosophy aligns with the club’s vision for its playing style. “Rapha’s teams are attack-minded, high-energy and possession-oriented – all qualities that represent the style of play we want to implement here in Kansas City,” Lee said.
