KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kickoff of Saturday's match between the KC Current and Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium was delayed to 6:28 p.m., almost three and a half hours after the scheduled kickoff time, due to "weather conditions."
The Current originally announced the delay on social media after the match was supposed to kick off at 3 p.m.
The KC Current match today against the Orlando Pride, scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. CT, has been delayed due to weather conditions.⁰⁰For updates, continue to follow KC Current and CPKC Stadium social media platforms. We will provide further updates as they become available.
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) August 16, 2025
KSHB 41's Matt Foster said the on-field temperature has to be below 92.3° for the match to be played. Around kickoff time, the reading on the field was 94°, according to Foster.
On field temperature has to be below 92.3° for the game to be played.
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) August 16, 2025
Current reading on the field was 94°
This game might not start for awhile if that’s the determining factor. https://t.co/WBVaByFr3h
Just after 3:25 p.m., downtown Kansas City, Missouri, had a heat index of 102°, according to KSHB 41 meteorologist Wes Peery.
In Downtown KC
— Wes Peery (@WesWeather) August 16, 2025
WBGT: 85
Heat Index: 102 https://t.co/OR6LvpKRrn pic.twitter.com/KcGBvpsdLn
Foster said just before 4 p.m. that the temperature reading on the field was 91°. Officials had to conduct one more wet bulb reading at 4:02 p.m. and if that temperature check was below 92.3°, then players could return to the field.
Kickoff was then set for 4:23 p.m., but the latest wet-bulb globe temperature put that time in jeopardy.
This seems unlikely now after the latest WBGT reading increased to over 92.3
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) August 16, 2025
Players were momentarily back out on the sidelines, but have since returned to the locker rooms. https://t.co/INJurbWCS1
The Kansas City area is currently under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Captain Lo LaBonta shared a message to the fans still at the stadium as the delay continued.
#KCBaby captain Lo LaBonta shares a message to the fans still here: pic.twitter.com/OBIaCb0krb
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) August 16, 2025
An NWSL spokesperson provided KSHB 41 with a statement on the circumstances surrounding the delay.
The league aims to play matches as scheduled whenever safely possible. While forecasts guide planning, we primarily rely on real-time, on-site weather data to make informed decisions in accordance with our inclement weather policies and protocols. Based on those inputs, the league made the decision to delay today's match.
Fans with tickets to the match are allowed to re-enter CPKC Stadium.
Saturday's match will be available to watch through streaming on CBS Sports.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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