Kim Stone Named Washington Business Journal Sports Leader of the Year - Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit | October 27, 2026
Washington, D.C. (10/27/2026) – Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone has been named the 2026 Sports Leader of the Year by the Washington Business Journal. Stone is one of only eight honorees in WBJ’s 2026 CEO Awards and will be recognized on December 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., and featured in WBJ’s print and online editions on December 11.
“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.”
Stone, who became Spirit CEO in 2024, has transformed the organization’s business, market position and community impact in just three seasons, with 2026 the most successful yet. Under Stone, the Spirit has built the best home-field advantage in the NWSL, dubbed ‘Rowdy Audi’, welcoming more than 224,000 fans through the gates.
Next Match:
Sunday, November 1 vs Chicago Stars FC
Get Tickets | Spirit Shop
Single Match Tickets: Buy Now Promotions | Ticket Add-Ons | Theme Nights | Partial Plans | Season Memberships
How to Watch | Standings | Athletes | Playoffs | News | Community