Missouri Lawmakers Converge to Discuss Future of Chiefs and Royals

Kansas City, Missouri – Missouri lawmakers will convene for a special session starting June 2 to discuss critical proposals aimed at retaining the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, whose futures in the state are uncertain. A decision regarding the teams must be finalized by June 30, as they face the possibility of relocating to Kansas unless they commit to staying in Missouri.

Recent developments escalated when Jackson County voters decisively rejected a proposed ⅜-cent sales tax intended to secure the teams’ presence in the county. The voting results showed 58% against and 42% in favor of the tax, leaving lawmakers with fewer options to offer financial incentives that may appeal to the teams.

Competition between Missouri and Kansas to retain the professional sports franchises has intensified, resulting in an “incentives arms race.” Kansas officials have proposed a funding scheme that could cover up to 70% of the costs related to new stadiums for the teams. Conversely, Missouri’s current proposals are significantly less competitive, suggesting only up to 35% of costs would be funded.

Missouri currently lacks a formal incentives offer for the Chiefs and Royals, making the situation direr as the June 30 deadline looms. Governor Mike Kehoe emphasized that if a satisfactory package is not put forth, there is a genuine risk of losing the teams to Kansas, where financial backing for new facilities is more promising.

Economic Considerations and Proposal Details

Under the proposed Kansas funding plan, the state will utilize a supercharged version of the STAR Bonds program, financing stadium projects through tax revenues generated from the stadiums themselves, alongside sports gambling and lottery revenues. Experts estimate that building a new stadium for the Chiefs could cost at least $2 billion, while the Royals’ stadium could run approximately $1.5 billion or more. The repayment for these projects is projected to take 30 years.

In contrast, Missouri’s proposed stadium funding would require local contributions and establish a minimum project cost of $500 million, mandating that any new stadium has a seating capacity of over 30,000. The Missouri Senate’s involvement will be crucial for any proposed funding package to move forward, underscoring the legislative hurdles that must be cleared in the upcoming special session.

Compounding Challenges and State Impacts

Alongside the stadium discussions, Missouri lawmakers will also address disaster relief funding and other construction projects that were unsuccessful in the regular legislative session. Previous talks about potential stadium plans and locations for both teams remain undisclosed, leaving many questions about the state’s long-term strategy for professional sports.

While proponents argue that the presence of these sports teams significantly boosts local economic development, experts counter that their contributions may not be as substantial as often presented. Nevertheless, the economic impact of the Chiefs and Royals through job creation and tourism is undeniably considerable, contributing to the local economy in various ways.

As the special session approaches, concerns about decision-making under pressure have been raised among some lawmakers, especially considering the urgency of the issues at hand. With significant financial stakes and regional pride on the line, the upcoming deliberations will play a pivotal role in determining the future of professional sports in Kansas City.