TOPEKA, Kan. (KWCH) - A request from the Kansas City Chiefs indicates that Kansas’ hopes to snatch the historic NFL franchise from Missouri are far from dashed.
Leaders in Kansas will meet on July 7 to discuss the potential deadline extension for STAR bonds to fund at least one pro sports stadium on the western side of the KC metro. Senator Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said he called the July 7 meeting with the Legislative Coordinating Council after the council (LCC) received a letter from Chiefs President Mark Donavan, requesting a deadline extension for STAR bonds, initially approved with a deadline of June 30, 2025.
“Together, we have the opportunity to bring the National Football League to Kansas, anchored by a world-class domed stadium, new team headquarters, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district,” Donovan said in the letter from the organization. “We believe the foundation is in place for something truly historic,” Donovan continued. “Not only for our team but for the future of the State’s economy and national profile... Since the passage of the expanded legislation, we’ve worked closely with the administration to bring this vision to life.”
Donovan said the franchise has “made significant significant progress on the core deal components, including the stadium, headquarters, practice facility, and surrounding development.”
“At the same time, the complexity and scale of the project—and the importance of crafting a structure that works for all stakeholders—make it clear that more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition," the Chiefs president said.
In response to the letter from the Chiefs, Masterson’s formal response included a string of football puns.
“The letter from Mark Donovan indicates that the drive to bring this historic project to Kansas is moving down the field. Now that we are in the red zone, this extension will provide stakeholders sufficient time to ensure the ball crosses the goal line,” he said.
An extension of STAR bond legislation would also extend the window for Kansas’ efforts to woo the Kansas City Royals to the Sunflower State.
In the video above, you can revisit prior coverage from Royals and Chiefs stadium talks in late March.
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