KC Homeowners Explore Short-Term Rentals as World Cup Drives Demand for Lodging
Kansas City Homeowners Curious About Short-Term Rentals as World Cup Approaches
As Kansas City readies itself for the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup in 2026, local neighborhoods are buzzing about the opportunity—especially when it comes to where all the visitors will stay. Picture Denver during a big event: hotels fill quickly, and out-of-towners start looking for alternatives in nearby communities. Kansas City is facing a similar moment. Property owners in Johnson County and beyond are starting to wonder if now’s the time to open their doors—and their homes—to guests from around the globe.
Why Short-Term Rentals Are Getting So Much Attention
It’s not every year that a global soccer tournament lands in your backyard. The World Cup means huge crowds, packed schedules, and a spike in travel. According to Heather Autry, a seasoned short-term rental manager working throughout the Kansas City region, her calendar has been jammed with homeowners looking for guidance on turning their properties into short-term rentals for the World Cup wave.
She shared that many are reaching out after hearing there simply won’t be enough hotel rooms once fans, teams, and support crews arrive. Johnson County homeowners aren’t alone—demand is even trickling out to towns like Lawrence, where parents already make regular visits year-round to see their college students.
Local Landmarks May Play a Major Role
One interesting twist for the 2026 World Cup is the spotlight on Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park, which is in the mix to become a base camp for one of the international squads. Jason Booker, who coordinates big events for KU Athletics, says that odds look strong for hosting a World Cup team there.
If Lawrence is chosen, expect a fresh surge in out-of-town visitors needing a place to stay—not just for game days, but for practices, training, and all the buzz around the tournament. Booker pointed out that even now, hotel space in the area is limited. Add in World Cup visitors and the challenge only grows. Many are realizing that short-term rentals in Lawrence or Kansas City could be key to accommodating the crowds.
What Homeowners Are Asking
Every day, more households are seeking advice on how to make their properties guest-ready by the time the World Cup is in full swing. Heather Autry currently manages several short-term rentals in Lawrence, but the interest since the World Cup announcement has brought in a wave of inquiries she hasn’t seen before.
There are lots of reasons for this jump in curiosity. Some homeowners want to earn extra income. Others see it as a way to help accommodate visitors when hotels run out of space. People are hearing from friends or reading in community news that the big push for World Cup bookings will likely come right after teams are announced—a moment expected to land in early December.
Timing Is Everything for Maximizing Demand
Local property owners appear to be watching the calendar closely. Many are holding off on listing or making big decisions until more details come out, especially once the final line-up of competing teams is public. That announcement, which is predicted in December, will likely trigger a rush to book rooms and rentals all across the metro area and in nearby college towns.
For those watching from the Denver property market, this feels very familiar—a major event drives intense demand, and short-term rental hosts who prepare early tend to see the biggest benefits.
How Short-Term Rentals Meet a Surge in Visitors
The projected influx of guests for the World Cup isn’t just speculation. History shows that when large sports events come to town, traditional hotels rarely have enough space to handle the uptick in visitors. In these moments, local homes—especially those managed by experienced professionals—step up to fill the gap.
For cities like Kansas City and outlying areas such as Lawrence, homeowners now have a unique window. Short-term rentals can help keep visitors closer to event venues rather than forcing them hours away, improving guests’ experience and bringing extra revenue directly into local neighborhoods.
Keeping an Eye on the Road Ahead
As December nears and Kansas City finalizes its plans for welcoming an international crowd, property owners who’ve never considered hosting before are giving the idea a fresh look. Conversations are shifting from “Should I rent out my place?” to real questions about handling bookings, creating welcoming spaces, and working within local rules.
It’s a pattern many cities have seen before: major events put pressure on the usual lodging channels, and smart homeowners step up with solutions that benefit everyone. With the right guidance and careful management, local owners may find themselves turning a community challenge into an opportunity—one that could echo long after the final match is played.