Team Kansas began as the Kansas Cavalry in 1973 after Governor Robert Docking and a delegation of Kansas business leaders visited Japan. Initially, the organization had between 50 and 75 members. Early initiatives focused on recruitment missions to business centers and were built around business leader-to business leader connections and meetings.

Since then, the organization has continued to grow and change to meet current challenges. In 2013, the organization transitioned from the Cavalry to Team Kansas to reflect its current role as an economic development support group.