Legislators in Kansas recently approved a plan to entice the Chiefs to move from the Missouri side of Kansas City to Kansas by constructing a new stadium and practice facilities. The team has played at Arrowhead Stadium since 1972 and previously played at Municipal Stadium from 1963 to 1971. State bonds would cover 70% of the costs for the new stadiums, paid off over 30 years with revenue from sports betting, lottery ticket sales, and taxes from surrounding entertainment districts.
The plan also includes the construction of a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals, who currently play at Kauffman Stadium. The Chiefs have a deal with Arrowhead Stadium until 2031, so it is uncertain if star tight end Travis Kelce will be a part of the move if it happens. On the other hand, quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year contract extension in 2020. Governor Laura Kelly expressed excitement about the potential for Kansas to become a professional sports powerhouse with the addition of the Chiefs and Royals, along with robust entertainment districts bringing new jobs and revenues to the state.
While the Chiefs have not confirmed their plans to move, they released a statement saying they look forward to exploring the options provided by the legislation. Kansas Representative Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, though not fully supportive of the move due to concerns about the Hunt family’s political views, still voted in favor to support Governor Kelly’s efforts. Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City, Missouri, promised to present a competitive offer to keep both teams in the state following Missouri voters rejecting a sales tax proposal to finance stadium upkeep during an April election.
Lucas believes the teams are using the leverage they have in the situation. The Chiefs are set to begin their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance in the regular season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5 at Arrowhead Stadium. Overall, the approval of the plan to potentially move the Chiefs to Kansas has generated mixed reactions among legislators and local officials, but it remains to be seen if the team will indeed make the move and if it will benefit the state of Kansas as anticipated.
