Kendall Diggs giving back to his hometown through Sporting U NIL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) – 255 miles from Baum Walker Stadium resides Children’s Mercy Park, home of the professional soccer team Sporting Kansas City.

Just 20.6 miles south is where current Arkansas right fielder Kendall Diggs was born and raised in Olathe, Ks.

In this unique time in college athletics, current student athletes are allowed to prosper off their name, image, and likeness. One of the unique deals that Diggs has is combining the soccer team he grew up watching and the Arkansas community in the Sporting U NIL initiative.

“It’s a good partnership,” Diggs said. “We’re both helping each other out and Sporting is really good for Kansas City just overall too.”

Diggs is one of seven local Kansas City athletes in the Class of 2025. He’s hoping through the partnership with the team to not only increase attendance at their matches, but heighten interest of a team in the shadow of the Royals and Cheifs.

The senior will have a personalized link for people to purchase tickets to different Sporting games. He also went through a photoshoot and received a customized jersey as well.

At the deals’ core, it’s full circle for Diggs to represent and give back to his hometown.

“They want people that are, you know, have some ties to the area. You know, they love KC,” Diggs said. “I thought this was so cool, and it’s gonna be cool for me to be able to give maybe my two brothers (tickets)… it’ll open up some cool, fun moments for my family too.”

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