Missouri Introduces Legislative Package to Retain Chiefs and Royals
Kansas City, MO – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has recently signed a legislative package aimed at encouraging the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to stay in the state as discussions about their future intensify along the Missouri-Kansas border. The teams have shared the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City for 50 years, with their current lease expiring in January 2031.
To entice the franchises, the new legislation, approved by lawmakers during a special session, allows the state to cover up to 50% of construction costs for new stadiums via state-issued bonds. Additionally, it establishes up to $50 million in available tax credits for each team. Local governments will also need to contribute financially to the stadium projects.
In 2022, voters in Jackson County rejected a proposed sales tax extension that would have financed renovations for Arrowhead Stadium and a new downtown ballpark, casting doubt on the teams’ futures. Meanwhile, Kansas has been actively working to attract the Chiefs and Royals by approving state bonds that would cover up to 70% of new stadium costs.
The Chiefs have expressed optimism about the recent legislative developments, calling it a “significant step forward” in their discussions. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas remains hopeful the teams will stay in Missouri, emphasizing the benefits of public ownership of stadiums in the state. With pressures mounting from both sides, a decision on the teams’ future is imminent.
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