Kim Stone is one of eight honorees in the Washington Business Journal’s 2026 CEO Awards after being selected as the publication’s 2026 Sports Leader of the Year. Stone became Washington Spirit CEO in 2024.
Stone will be recognized Dec. 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., and featured in the Washington Business Journal’s print and online editions on Dec. 11. She credited Michele Kang’s vision and investment, the club’s players and staff, its partners and its fans for the organization’s progress.
Kim Stone’s Impact on the Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit welcomed more than 224,000 fans in 2026 and recorded a club-record five sellouts. The club averaged more than 17,000 fans for weekend matches, while attendance increased 87.5% since Stone became CEO. The Spirit also sold out Audi Field 11 times during her tenure.
The Washington Spirit was selected to host the 2026 NWSL Championship in Washington, D.C. The club also played in the National Women’s Soccer League’s two highest-attended matches of the 2026 season.
“I’m honored to receive this award by the Washington Business Journal, but this recognition belongs to the whole Spirit family,” said Stone. “Michele Kang’s vision and investment, our players and staff, our partners, and our fans, who turned Audi Field into Rowdy Audi have all played a role. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this season and over the past three years, but we’re nowhere near finished.”
Washington Spirit Business Growth
The Washington Spirit signed six new partners in 2026, including Sol de Janeiro as the club’s official beauty and celebration partner. The club reported a 99% year-over-year partner renewal rate and sold every on-kit sponsorship position for the first time, including the front, back, sleeve and home and away warmups.
The club’s valuation rose to $196 million, a 107% increase over the previous 18 months. Earlier in 2026, the Washington Spirit became the second National Women’s Soccer League club named a Sports Business Journal Team of the Year finalist.
Washington Spirit Builds Momentum
The Washington Spirit re-signed Trinity Rodman to the largest contract in National Women’s Soccer League history. The club’s preseason fan event, Spirit Fest, sold out in its largest edition, while the Spirit became the league’s top-selling jersey team after six players ranked among the league’s top eight in jersey sales following the kit reveal.
The Washington Spirit was scheduled to host Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Audi Field for a Decision Day match. A home quarterfinal berth was at stake in the 5 p.m. EST match. Get Tickets at WashingtonSpirit.com/tickets.
MSB Analysis
Stone’s award recognizes the Washington Spirit’s reported growth across attendance, partnerships and league recognition. The club’s 2026 figures include more than 224,000 fans, five sellouts, six new partners and selection to host the NWSL Championship.
The Washington Spirit’s business results and league recognition provide the documented context for Stone’s honor. Her tenure has included the club’s reported attendance increase, expanded sponsorship activity and the re-signing of Trinity Rodman to the largest contract in National Women’s Soccer League history.
Source: Original report
