Graham Zusi Named Community Ambassador for nbkc bank Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO (June 2, 2025) — With just over a year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Kansas City, nbkc bank has named former U.S. Men’s National Team standout and Sporting Kansas City legend Graham Zusi as its Community Ambassador, effective immediately and continuing through next year’s tournament. Kansas City will host matches on June 16, June 20, June 25, June 27, July 3 and July 11, 2026.

Zusi, who played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, brings to nbkc, Kansas City and the global soccer audience an accomplished playing career and a long-standing connection to the community. Over 15 seasons with Sporting Kansas City, he earned distinction as a seven-time MLS All-Star, 2013 MLS Cup champion, and three-time U.S. Open Cup winner. He started all four matches for the U.S. Men’s National Team during its 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign and was instrumental in its advancement to the knockout stage.

In his new role with nbkc, Zusi serves as an experienced local presence during a visible international moment for Kansas City. He will represent the bank through community appearances, select speaking engagements with nbkc clients, employees and civic groups, and by hosting a community-wide foosball tournament, details of which will be released at a later date.

“We’re thrilled to have Graham Zusi join us during such an exciting moment for soccer in Kansas City,” said Michael Bartkoski, CEO of nbkc bank. “Graham shined on the world soccer stage and brings a unique connection to the sport and Kansas City—and helps nbkc deepen its ties to both communities. We are looking forward to helping prepare the business community for this monumental event.”

“I’m excited to represent nbkc as Kansas City prepares to host the biggest event in the soccer world,” Zusi said. “I’ve come to know nbkc as a bank with good people who are committed to the community and focused on making banking simple and approachable for individuals and businesses.”

Now stepping into entrepreneurship--including his leading the development of BACI Westside, a six-unit residential project in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood-- Zusi credits his career on the field with preparing him for success in business.

“Soccer taught me discipline, resilience and the value of teamwork—qualities that are just as important in business as they are on the field,” said Zusi. “I appreciate nbkc’s support of local businesses throughout the region.”

As a first visible expression of Zusi’s role with nbkc, he currently is featured on a billboard northbound on I-35 near the Roe/18th Street Expressway exit.

The announcement of Zusi’s role with nbkc builds on the bank’s recent community initiatives. Over the recent Memorial Day weekend, nbkc helped underwrite free admission support for the National World War I Museum and Memorial for active-duty military members, veterans and their families. In October 2025, nbkc will be the official banking partner and a gold-level sponsor of the Garmin Kansas City Marathon.

About nbkc

Having marked its 25th anniversary in 2024, nbkc is a mainstay in the Kansas City region and a diversified online banking company with a national scope. Known for combining intuitive technology and personal support to create exceptional client experiences, nbkc offers online mortgage and consumer banking nationally; community and commercial banking throughout its home region of Kansas City; and banking as a service to fintech companies across the U.S. The bank is also known for starting Fountain City Fintech®, an accelerator program initiated to support fintech startups. Formed in 1999, nbkc continues to pursue its mission of leading the industry to simpler and more transparent banking.