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Class of 09 Josh Blackford: On Top of His Game

Class of 09 Josh Blackford: On Top of His Game

Vice President, Operations & Stadium General Manager, Sporting Kansas City
B.A. Sport Administration
M.S. Counseling, Kansas State University

“Simpson provided the foundation for my professional journey. The small college environment helped make my education more personal, more relevant, and more well-rounded.”

On Top of His Game

Josh Blackford ’09 admits he’s not the world’s biggest soccer fan, but the former Storm basketball player sure gets a kick out of it. As vice president of operations and stadium general manager for Major League Soccer (MLS) team Sporting Kansas City, he has the whole field covered.

It’s just the latest stop in a sport administration career filled with championship glory. He’s worked the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB playoffs, NCAA Championships and many more pinnacle sporting events.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of some of the biggest events in sports,” said Blackford. “These were the kinds of opportunities I dreamt about as a kid.”

Blackford broke into his career while earning his master’s degree in counseling from Kansas State University, where he served as a graduate assistant in athletics operations. From there, he played similar roles at the University of California, Berkeley, and San Jose State University.

During his time in the San Francisco Bay area, Blackford enjoyed the thrill of working with the Golden State Warriors, the former Oakland Athletics and the former Oakland Raiders. He vividly recalls the days he would work an A’s day game, then have to hustle through the tunnel to work a Warriors game the same night.

“I would literally change my uniform while walking from the stadium to the arena. It was nonstop, 24/7, and I loved it. I just wanted to be around the energy, to learn, to contribute, to be a part of something special. That tunnel became more than a shortcut between venues — it was the symbol of the hustle, the commitment, and the dream I was chasing.”

His latest dream come true is playing a prominent role in helping Kansas City prepare to host the FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament in 2026.

“It’s a global moment watched by more than 5 billion people that will leave a lasting impact on Kansas City and the growth of soccer in America for generations to come. To play a role in that effort… is something I’ll carry forever.”