Missouri Legislation Aims to Keep Chiefs and Royals in State
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a significant legislative package, approved by Missouri lawmakers, aimed at securing the future of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals within the state. During a special session convened on Saturday, the legislation passed, providing hundreds of millions in financial incentives to encourage the franchises to remain.
The Chiefs and Royals, both currently tenants of the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, face lease expirations with Jackson County in January 2031. In recent years, both teams have weighed their options amid stalled local support for stadium funding, highlighted by a failed sales tax extension last year that would have financed major renovations and developments.
While Missouri legislators are responding with new proposals for up to 50% funding for new or renovated stadiums, Kansas has made its move too, granting bond authorization to fund up to 70% of new facility costs. The Royals have even purchased land for a new stadium in Kansas, though they are still considering Missouri options.
The urgency of the situation is compounded by a looming June 30 deadline for a proposal from Kansas. Recent statements from both teams indicate they are keen on finding solutions that align with their long-term interests.
Missouri’s package also includes disaster relief measures in light of the devastating tornado in St. Louis, which sparked widespread support for related funding. While praised by many, the legislation has faced bipartisan criticism, with concerns about subsidies for wealthy franchise owners and the legality of changes to property tax relief affecting different counties.
As both teams weigh their options, the Chiefs highlighted the legislative approval as a "significant step forward" in their ongoing deliberations, while the Royals committed to prioritizing their fans and community in their decision-making process.
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