KCSN Weekly: Cap space, major coaching change and Cactus League ball arrives
A weekly look at everything happening across Kansas City sports.
Late February always feels like a hinge point.
The NFL is deep into roster maneuvering season, baseball has officially returned to the desert, and college basketball is separating contenders from chaos. This week delivered a little of everything: cap space relief, spring lineups in Surprise, a coaching change in Manhattan, and resume-defining games across the region.
Here’s where things stand.
Chiefs Check-In: Cap space, headlines, and what’s next
The offseason is no longer theoretical for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City restructured Patrick Mahomes’ contract, converting a significant portion of future salary into a signing bonus and creating roughly $44 million in cap space. The move gives the front office flexibility ahead of free agency and the draft, and signals that roster reshaping is officially underway.
There was less welcome news off the field. A civil lawsuit was filed this week by the ex-girlfriend of wide receiver Rashee Rice, alleging domestic abuse. The organization has acknowledged the situation, and the matter will now proceed through the legal process. KCSN’s lead reporter, Herbie Teope, broke it down right here on KCSN.com.
Meanwhile, former Chiefs star Tyreek Hill was released by the Miami Dolphins, immediately igniting speculation about a potential reunion. A return would be headline-grabbing, but financial realities and roster construction questions make it far from simple.
Royals Report: Movement in the desert
Spring training is underway for the Kansas City Royals.
Kansas City held its first full-squad workout in Surprise, Arizona, and this afternoon opens Cactus League play against the Texas Rangers. Royals’ pitcher Stephen Kolek is slated to face Nathan Eovaldi in the opener.
The projected lineup is notable. Maikel Garcia is expected to lead off, followed by Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Jac Caglianone, representing a possible preview of what Opening Day’s top five could look like.
With games scheduled every day this week, including three in Surprise, evaluation and “best shape of my career” season has officially begun.
College Hoops: Newsy week for the region
Kansas’ streak snapped
No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks saw its eight-game win streak end in Ames, where No. 5 Iowa State earned a 74–56 win after KU handed them a 21-point loss earlier this season.
The Jayhawks responded well, however, earning an 81–69 road win over Oklahoma State. Kansas currently sits tied for third in the Big 12, one game behind Houston and Arizona, with major opportunities ahead.
Change in Manhattan
The biggest news of the week came in Manhattan.
Following a 78–64 loss to No. 3 Houston, Kansas State parted ways with head coach Jerome Tang. The move came amid a difficult Big 12 stretch and signaled a reset for a program that surged early in Tang’s tenure but struggled to sustain momentum.
In their first game post-Tang, the Wildcats responded with energy, defeating Baylor 90–74 and snapping a six-game skid. At 2–11 in conference play and 11–15 overall, it is a lost season for the ‘Cats, but the immediate response showed fight.
Missouri is living on the edge
Missouri experienced both ends of the spectrum.
Missouri fell 86–69 on the road to the Texas Longhorns, but rebounded with a critical 81–80 home win over No. 19 Vanderbilt Commodores after nearly surrendering a 20-point lead.
The Tigers remain firmly on bubble watch, with every remaining game carrying postseason implications.
What to Watch This Week
Royals
Seven Cactus League matchups against the Rangers, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
NFL
319 prospects are expected to participate in the NFL’s 2026 Scouting Combine, beginning this Monday, Feb. 23, and running through March 2, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kansas
Hosts Cincinnati.
Hosts No. 2 Houston in a pivotal Big 12 matchup.
Kansas State
A tough matchup against No. 13, Texas Tech.
A Midweek trip to Boulder to face Colorado in what should be a much more winnable affair.
Missouri
At No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks in a résumé-shaping contest.
Hosts a tough Tennessee team (9-4, 19-7) later in the week.
Cap space has been created. Spring games have begun. And college programs across the region are fighting for position, or survival, as March approaches.
This time of year doesn’t offer many quiet weeks. We’ll be back next time to sort through whatever shifts next across Kansas City sports.