The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1961 as a part of the Kansas Centennial Celebration.

The Hall of Fame is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed to four-year terms by the Governor. Current Trustees are: Rita Bicknell, George Fahnestock, Bill Moore, Dr. Duane Muck – Chairman, Ron Slaymaker, Bill Snyder, and Rick Williamson.

The Hall is operated by Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Inc., a not-for-profit Kansas corporation. Barry Schwan - President, Ted Hayes – Executive Director, Dan Peare - Secretary, and Robert Hanson - Treasurer. Other Directors include: Allen Bell, Tim Daniel, Brice Durbin, Ron Holt, Richard Konzem, Olivia Simmons, and Howard Sherwood.

Funding for operating expenses is provided in part by donations, admissions, gift shop sales, and special events.

Presently, 166 of Kansas' most celebrated sports heroes have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame is that the individuals have brought pride to the state of Kansas through their involvement in sports. Any Kansan can nominate individuals for consideration for induction. Final selection for induction is made by the vote of the Board of Trustees from the finalists presented from the Nominating Committee.

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of sports for the state to serve as a source of education and inspiration to all generations. The mission is achieved through providing exhibits, archives, facilities, services and activities to honor those individuals and teams whose achievements in sports, have brought distinction to themselves, to their communities and to the entire state of Kansas.