Kansas City Current Owners Expand Their Influence with HB Køge Women's Football Acquisition
In a remarkable move for women’s football, Angie and Chris Long, who are also the principal owners of the Kansas City Current, have finalized a significant acquisition of Danish women’s football club HB Køge Women. This investment underlines their dedication to elevating the standards of women’s sports both locally and globally.
The agreement, which was announced on May 27, 2025, allows Ballard Capital—the investment firm operated by the Longs—to take over the women’s team after successfully separating it from the men's division. This strategic separation was necessary to focus entirely on the women’s team, marking one of the most significant transactions in the history of women’s sports in Denmark.
HB Køge Women, located about 30 minutes south of Copenhagen, is part of the Kvindeliga, Denmark’s premier division for women's football. Founded in 2009 through the merger of two historic clubs, Køge Boldklub and Herfølge Boldklub, HB Køge has won the Kvindeliga championship for three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2023 and has also competed in the UEFA Women's Champions League during these years. The club’s esteemed history and recent successes highlight its potential for further achievements under new ownership.
With the investment from the Longs, HB Køge Women will not only aim for domestic success but also increase its competitiveness in Europe. Central to their vision is the establishment of a state-of-the-art women’s youth football academy, poised to become the premier academy in Scandinavia. This initiative aims at developing young talent and ensuring a sustainable future for the club and women’s football in the region.
"We are thrilled to partner with HB Køge Women, their dedicated supporters, and the surrounding community," said Angie and Chris Long in a statement. They expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Kansas City Current and are keen to apply their successful operational model in Denmark to elevate HB Køge Women further.
The acquisition is part of a larger strategy to foster the growth of women’s soccer worldwide, especially in regions that show promise but require supportive investments. The Longs’ ambitious plans include winning the Danish League championships and making significant strides in the international football landscape.
As they embark on this new chapter, the Longs emphasized their appreciation for the previous ownership by George Altirs and Capelli Sport, noting their significant contributions to the club’s development. They look forward to continuing valuable partnerships, especially with Capelli Sport, which will remain as the preferred kit and athletic wear supplier for the team.
This acquisition by Ballard Capital is seen as a milestone in the ongoing evolution of women’s sports, presenting a model where successful investment can lead to substantial progress and recognition. The momentum generated by the Longs’ dedication to women’s football promises not only to enhance the club’s profile but also to inspire other stakeholders in the sport to pursue similar initiatives.
As the landscape for women’s football grows, with investment from various fronts becoming more prevalent, the Longs stand at the forefront of a transformative era. With their track record and ambition, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the future of women's sports, starting with HB Køge Women and extending to global platforms.