PODCAST · sports
SportsBeat KC
by KCUR and The Kansas City Star
Kansas City’s biggest sports stories of the week, for the diehards and the casual fans alike. A podcast covering the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting, Current, Missouri and Kansas college teams, and more. Hosted by longtime Kansas City Star sports reporter Blair Kerkhoff and produced by KCUR Studios.
Episodes
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With Denver on horizon, Chiefs have to hope performance in Seattle was a blip
The Chiefs took a perfect record to Seattle last week and ran into a brick wall. The Seahawks won every phase in a 20-3 victory. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3), columnist Sam McDowell shares his thoughts on the lopsided loss and what it means going forward.…
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Rough waters ahead for Chiefs? Plus, Fran Fraschilla on becoming Big 12’s voice
The Chiefs remain one of three NFL teams with a perfect record, but the schedule is turning rugged starting with this Sunday’s game at the Seattle Seahawks. A feature of this meeting: Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is the league’s rushing leader, and he was named Super Bowl MVP for…
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Breaking down Chiefs’ imperfect 4-0 start & huge college football weekend
The Chiefs had a bye week to catch their breath, iron out problems and get injured players healed, and did so as one of three undefeated teams in the NFL. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnist Vahe Gregorian identify the team’s...
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Another week, another heart-stopping victory for Chiefs. This one came at a cost
After four weeks of the NFL season, the Chiefs are one of three teams to stand 4-0, but remaining undefeated wasn’t easy ... and it was costly from an injury standpoint. The Chiefs outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27, but lost wide receivers Tyquan Thornton and Rashee Rice during the game....
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Chiefs found a way, Royals lost a once-promising season: SportsBeat KC podcast
The Chiefs didn’t win many style points, but they won the game. A 24-10 triumph in the first road game, at the Miami Dolphins, improved the Chiefs’ record to 3-0 for the 14th time in franchise history. On SportsBeat KC, the weekly sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3), beat writer Pete…
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Kansas City Chiefs defeat Miami Dolphins 24-10 | Instant reaction
The Chiefs won in the same building that Patrick Mahomes won his first Super Bowl, a 24-10 too-close-for-comfort win against the Dolphins on Sunday. They were imperfect. But the record remains perfect: 3-0. Here are The Star’s initial observations from the game SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast...
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When Patrick Mahomes plays like Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs can outscore anyone
Patrick Mahomes passed for 382 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and when he plays like he did against the Indianapolis Colts, there’s no limit to the Chiefs’ fortunes. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3), Star columnists Vahe Gregorian and Sam McDowell...
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How running back Kenneth Walker III could change everything for the Chiefs
On the first play of the season for the Chiefs’ offense, Patrick Mahomes handed the ball off to running back Kenneth Walker III. And the second, third and fourth, with Andy Reid establishing the team’s intent from the outset. It worked. Walker rushed for 173 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown,...
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The Chiefs won’t start the 2026 season at full strength. Is that a problem?
A new season for the Chiefs has arrived. The season opener against the Denver Broncos is set for “Monday Night Football” at Arrowhead Stadium, and get ready for Patrick Mahomes’ first game since suffering a knee injury late last season. For the first time in a decade, the Chiefs aren’t coming off…
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As college football begins, who has the best injunction game? Our latest podcast
As we approach Week 1 of the college football season, eligibility remains a major topic. Used to be, these things were settled long before the season began, but as Missouri Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz said last week, the eligibility system is an “absolute embarrassment” and a “complete clown show”...
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On the horizon: Crown Center ballpark & Chiefs roster decisions. We have questions
SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM) features coming attractions with the Royals and Chiefs. Columnist Sam McDowell breaks down city council’s approval of funding for the Royals proposed ballpark at Crown Center. Financial questions remain about project, which could…
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What Chiefs accomplished in preseason opener — and what still needs attention
The preseason has started and training camp at Missouri Western is winding down. Did the Chiefs maximize their time in St. Joseph? On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnist Vahe Gregorian share their thoughts from KC’s...
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What we’re looking to see from the Kansas City Chiefs in their preseason opener
Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play, and other starters might sit out the preseason opener. But there will be plenty to see and evaluate when the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Backup quarterbacks Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier figure to get…
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Real evaluations begin when pads come on. Who’s looking good for the Chiefs?
Chiefs training camp doesn’t really begin until the pads come on. It’s the first time to evaluate linemen and most defensive players. So who’s looking good? Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian break down what they’ve seen at camp on SportsBeat KC, the sports...
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Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice and the right tackle conundrum: Chiefs podcast
This week’s most important local sports story came out of training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, where the team announced that quarterback Patrick Mahomes — just seven months removed from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee — was fully cleared for the start of training...
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The biggest questions for Kansas City Chiefs heading into training camp
Preparations for Chiefs season No. 67 begin Friday as training camp opens in St. Joseph. Quarterbacks, rookies and a few others will have Missouri Western to themselves for a few days before the full squad reports the following week. This camp will have a different feel than any in several years...
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Bidding farewell to FIFA World Cup in Kansas City. How did we do? Worth the cost?
The FIFA World Cup and its games, Fan Fest, watch parties and celebrations have departed Kansas City. And all that remains is the cleanup. How did Kansas City do, and was it worth the cost? By many accounts the world’s biggest sporting event played in the smallest U.S. World Cup market unfolded…
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U.S. soccer’s exit from FIFA World Cup was ugly. What to make of team’s progress
Ouch. The U.S. team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurred in ugly fashion — and sooner than many had hoped. The U.S. team’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday, by a 4-1 score, means the American team failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. On...
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Kansas City starred during World Cup group stage. On to the knockouts & more drama
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing out the best of Kansas City ... or is it the other away around? The massive global soccer tournament’s group-stage games at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium provided incredible drama, all the way down to the final goal. The Netherlands’ “Oranje FanWalk”…
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FIFA World Cup in Kansas City: early wins and worries
Two games into the FIFA World Cup schedule in Kansas City, and we’ve seen some spectacular performances, starting with Lionel Messi’s hat trick for Argentina in the opening game. The action has been top-rate. But how about Kansas City’s overall performance as a host city? On SportsBeat KC, sports...
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Is it ever really quiet in the NFL? What to watch for until Chiefs training camp
The Chiefs have closed the book on OTAs and minicamp, but they’re continuing to make news. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a contract extension, former KC cornerback L’Jarius Sneed was re-acquired and the team traded away offensive lineman Wanya Morris — all before the Chiefs were finished…
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Eight years in the making, World Cup has arrived. Is Kansas City ready?
North America was awarded the 2026 FIFA World Cup eight years ago. Four years later, Kansas City was named one of the event’s 16 host cities. Now, it’s here. The world’s biggest sporting event begins Thursday with the first game in Kansas City on June 16. Are we ready? In this week’s episode of...
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Taking the good Chiefs news (Patrick Mahomes) with the bad (Rashee Rice)
The news is good and bad for the Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes is back on the practice field, taking part in some drills. That’s a great sign as the two-time MVP continues to heal from torn knee ligaments. The not-so-good news: Wide receiver Rashee Rice is still serving his 30-day jail sentence for...
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How did Kansas City become a U.S. soccer capital? Author explains on SportsBeat KC
Of the 11 U.S. cities to host FIFA World Cup games, Kansas City is the most unlikely — but also among the most deserving. The story of how KC turned itself into one of the nation’s premier soccer cities is the subject of the book: “Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American...
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What to expect when Argentina, Netherlands arrive in Kansas City for World Cup
In less than a month, the first FIFA World Cup game will be played in Kansas City, and it won’t take that long for fans of teams with base camps here to begin arriving. So, what can KC expect? On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Ignaciao Bottaro, a journalist from...
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FIFA World Cup opener less than a month away. Can event push through headwinds?
With the FIFA World Cup opening game less than a month away — and less than five weeks before the first match is played in Kansas City — some recent indicators question the event’s expected size and scope. Hotel rooms remain available, as do tickets to most games, heightening fans’ frustrations.…
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Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt talks World Cup anticipation & what to expect
Kansas Citians will be “shocked in a good way” by the FIFA World Cup when it arrives here in June, says Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. He should know. He’s been going to games of the world’s most popular sporting event since 1974, when he was 9. Hunt sat down with SportsBeat KC, the sports...
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Final word on the Chiefs’ draft: Analysis of Brett Veach’s most important class
The draft class is complete. How did the Chiefs fare? The question ultimately cannot be answered for a few years, but the Chiefs made some bold moves, including turning the draft’s first trade. Columnist Sam McDowell and Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney drill down on all the selections and evaluate…
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Chiefs got defensive on first day of NFL Draft. Here’s who they selected and why
The first day of NFL Draft and with their two first round picks, the Chiefs concentrated on one side of the ball. Defense. They even engineered the draft’s first trade to move up three spots to select cornerback Mansoor Delane of LSU. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR…
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Royals put a sold sign on site for new home. Is Crown Center the right move?
More than three years after announcing the quest for a new home for the Royals, the team unveiled plans for a ballpark in downtown. They’ll create an 85-acre stadium district in Kansas City’s Crown Center and Washington Square Park. In this special edition of SportsBeat KC, the weekly sports...
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Chiefs almost on the clock: If they keep No. 9, here’s the strongest possibility
The NFL Draft is near. The Chiefs hold nine selections over the draft’s three days, with two picks in the first round. It’s the team’s best draft position in years — thanks to a poor finish to last season. A successful draft would help the Chiefs avoid this kind of draft position in the future....
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KC moves closer to new downtown ballpark for Royals. But these questions remain
Kansas City has detailed plans for a new Royals ballpark at Washington Square Park, offering to contribute $600 million to the stadium’s $1.9 billion price tag. Is this the Royals’ future? Well, a few questions remain. Star columnist Sam McDowell, who helped break the news of the stadium…
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Will Rashee Rice’s off-the-field concerns change Chiefs’ NFL Draft plans?
Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice won’t be suspended by the NFL, plus KC picked up a former first-round cornerback in Kaiir Elam. Those two positions will be a priority when the Chiefs are on the clock for the NFL Draft later this month. Will they have an impact on the Chiefs’ plans? After the break,...
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Why Kansas City Royals still have no answer on their next stadium
Opening day at The K was a success for the Royals, who beat the Minnesota Twins in the first home game. But only a handful of home openers at Kauffman Stadium remain for the team that’s actively looking for a new stadium. So where will it be built — and why has it taken this long? Royals…
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Could Bill Self really be done as KU basketball’s coach after last-second loss?
Kansas basketball’s NCAA Tournament run came to a heartbreaking end with a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. Now, the Jayhawks await word from Bill Self on his coaching future due to the heart issues he’s been battling since 2022. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The...
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Inside The Star’s feature on Darryn Peterson and his KU basketball season
Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson has had anything but a dull season. At times, he’s looked like the best player in college basketball. At others, he’s frustrated fans — and possibly his coach — by missing games for any number of ailments. So what’s going on behind the scenes with…
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Is Justin Fields the right backup for Chiefs? And who got better draw, KU or MU?
The Chiefs have found their backup quarterback in a trade — Justin Fields — with the hope that he doesn’t have to play in games. After all, that would mean Patrick Mahomes’ knee injury has lingered and he can’t open the season. As it is, Fields, acquired from the NY Jets, will play a critical…
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Did Chiefs strike gold with Kenneth Walker? Grading Chiefs’ start to free agency
Free agency quickly impacted the Chiefs from the opening minutes Monday. It was reported that the team had signed Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker, while resigning star tight end Travis Kelce. But with major additions also came subtractions. Gone are cornerback Jaylen Watson (Rams),...
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Did Chiefs win blockbuster Trent McDuffie trade? Breaking down KC’s haul
Trent McDuffie’s time with the Kansas City Chiefs has come to a close. In a blockbuster trade Wednesday, the Chiefs traded McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for a haul of draft picks. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, beat writer Pete Sweeney, columnists Sam McDowell and...
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Jeremiyah Love? Rueben Bain? How NFL Combine results may change Chiefs’ plans
With the Chiefs set for the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, they got an up-close look at pro football’s top prospects at the NFL Combine. Running back Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, and edge rushers Rueben Bain of Miami and Texas Tech’s David Bailey drew plenty of attention. But will any of…
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Stakes are high for Chiefs at this NFL Combine. Here’s what we’re hearing
The Super Bowl closes the NFL season and the NFL Combine opens the next one. The stakes are high for the Chiefs at this year’s scouting event in Indianapolis. This is where the team begins to get better. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, Chiefs Insider Pete Sweeney and…
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What’s next after K-State fired Jerome Tang? Plus, how KC became a World Cup hub
When it comes to FIFA World Cup base camps, Kansas City can flex. Three of the world’s top-seven teams — Argentina, England and Netherlands — have made it official: They’re summer camping in KC. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, columnist Sam McDowell explains how Kansas...
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How KU rallied to beat No. 1 Arizona & KC’s World Cup advantage for big teams
Top-ranked Arizona didn’t face the potential top player in the NBA Draft when it visited Kansas on Monday Night, but it did take on a motivated KU team in a raucous environment. The Jayhawks prevailed 82-78, even without Darryn Peterson, in dramatic fashion. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast…
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The Hall-of-Fame vote heard around the country, plus Royals’ stadium update
The Royals are packing their bags and will soon be off to spring training in Surprise, Arizona. But before they leave, they greeted fans and chatted up the season at Royals Rally at Kauffman Stadium. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, beat writer Jaylon Thompson and...
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What Eric Bieniemy’s return means — and doesn’t mean — for Chiefs next season
The offensive coordinator who was part of the Chiefs staff through one of their most productive stretches is back in Kansas City. Eric Bieniemy, who had three different jobs in the past three years, has been rehired. That also means Matt Nagy, who held the job for the past three years, is out.…
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How far can Darryn Peterson take KU? Plus, Mizzou’s resurgence & K-State’s woes
Local college basketball has experienced some wild mood swings this season — but at the moment KU and Mizzou are feeling better about themselves than last month. K-State, not so much. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, beat writers Shreyas Laddha and Kellis...
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Baseball Hall of Fame ballots are due. Will a former KC Royal get the call?
The 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame class will be announced next Tuesday. And players like former Kansas City Royals outfielder Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones are seeking to be selected after appearing on the ballot for several years. On SportsBeat KC, three KC Star writers with Hall of Fame ballots...
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Chiefs face these big questions for a season that ended before anyone expected
The NFL playoffs are set to begin, and for the first time in more than a decade, the Chiefs won’t be part of the action. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, Chiefs Insider Pete Sweeney sums up a season gone wrong. The Chiefs, who have appeared in five of the past six Super...
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5 most influential sports figures in KC for 2025? A few names might surprise you
As the year comes to an end, SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, is breaking down Kansas City’s most influential figures from 2025. Star columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian discuss five people — two players, two administrators and a coach — who helped shape...
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Why are KC Chiefs moving to Kansas? Explaining historic choice to leave Arrowhead
It’s the biggest Kansas City professional sports franchise move in more than five decades. The Chiefs are moving to Kansas. The team and state made the major announcement Monday in Topeka, and on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, columnist Sam McDowell breaks down why the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Kansas City’s biggest sports stories of the week, for the diehards and the casual fans alike. A podcast covering the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting, Current, Missouri and Kansas college teams, and more. Hosted by longtime Kansas City Star sports reporter Blair Kerkhoff and produced by KCUR Studios.
HOSTED BY
KCUR and The Kansas City Star
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does SportsBeat KC have?
SportsBeat KC currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is SportsBeat KC about?
Kansas City’s biggest sports stories of the week, for the diehards and the casual fans alike. A podcast covering the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting, Current, Missouri and Kansas college teams, and more. Hosted by longtime Kansas City Star sports reporter Blair Kerkhoff and produced by KCUR Studios.
How often does SportsBeat KC release new episodes?
SportsBeat KC releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to SportsBeat KC?
You can listen to SportsBeat KC on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts SportsBeat KC?
SportsBeat KC is created and hosted by KCUR and The Kansas City Star.
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