KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Missouri Senate has passed a new stadium funding bill that could play a pivotal role in keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the Show-Me State – just weeks before the teams are expected to make a final decision on their future stadium homes.
The legislation creates a long-term incentive plan that would allow Missouri to match or compete with a Kansas proposal offering STAR bonds. Under the Missouri plan, the state could issue bonds backed by current tax revenues generated by the teams – estimated at $29 million for the Chiefs and $26 million for the Royals. It also includes a 10% tax credit, capped at $50 million, and would cover up to half the cost of new or renovated facilities.
The total cost of the projects could reach $1.5 billion over the next 30 years.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas called Missouri’s proposal a significant step forward.
“This was an outstanding offer from the Missouri legislature,” Lucas said Thursday. “Governor Kehoe came up with, I think, a strong plan. Whereas when you look at STAR bonds in Kansas, those aren’t government backed.”
The Chiefs and Royals have until June 30 to respond to Kansas’ offer, which includes funding up to 70 percent of the cost for both teams to relocate across the state line. That offer, built around the STAR bond program, expires at the end of the month.
With the Senate hurdle cleared, Missouri’s proposal now heads to the House of Representatives. If approved there, it would move to Governor Mike Kehoe’s desk for final consideration.
The stakes are high—especially for Missouri, which lost the St. Louis Rams (NFL) in 2015.
“Missouri has a rich tradition of losing professional sports teams,” said Soren Petro, host of The Program on Sports Radio 810 WHB. “They’ve lost the Kansas City Kings (NBA), the Kansas City Scouts (NHL), Kansas City A’s (MLB).”
Soren Petro, like many in the Kansas City metro, has been closely watching the stadium negotiations play out on both sides of the state line.(KCTV5)
Petro, like many in the Kansas City metro, has been closely watching the stadium negotiations play out on both sides of the state line. While the Missouri plan could help fund renovations at Arrowhead and a new Royals stadium—possibly in downtown Kansas City or North Kansas City—it likely won’t fund a new domed football stadium, which some fans have long dreamed about.
“There’s excitement around the idea of a dome stadium that could bring the Final Four, bring the Super Bowl to Kansas City, maybe bring bigger concert events,” Petro said. “If you want a dome for the football team, I think that’s going to have to go to Kansas. I think you’ve got to make ownership of the Chiefs want a dome, and I don’t think they do.”
The Royals are exploring locations on both sides of state line as well, but the options in Missouri include North Kansas City and at least one site in Kansas City near Union Station at Washington Square Park. Mayor Lucas has indicated that no citywide vote may be required for a Royals deal and said the city is already preparing its part of the package.
“The city of Kansas City is ready to step up,” Lucas said. “Our incentive agencies are already ready to work on it. We’ve had wonderful conversations with the teams. So at least, particularly as to the Royals, I expect us to get it done.”
Jackson County Executive Frank White issued a statement to KCTV5 after the Missouri Bill passed.
> “For more than 50 years, Jackson County has proudly supported the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, shouldering the majority of the financial responsibility that has helped keep both teams rooted in our community. Each year, our taxpayers contribute more than $54 million to support the teams – more than the County currently spends combined on parks and playgrounds, roads and bridges, and our public health department. This significant investment reflects our long-standing commitment, but it also underscores the need to balance that support with the many other responsibilities we carry as a county.
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> “While it has been an honor to uphold that legacy, it’s time for a new chapter, one where Jackson County no longer carries the burden alone. From the beginning of this process, I’ve been clear: the path forward must include a more equitable sharing of responsibility.
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> “The stadium funding plan passed by the Missouri Senate moves us in that direction. It opens the door to meaningful relief for Jackson County taxpayers and creates the opportunity to invest in the essential services our residents rely on every day, from public safety and health care to critical infrastructure, all without increasing taxes.
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> “We remain committed to working with our partners at every level to support a future that is more balanced, more sustainable, and ultimately more fair for the people of Jackson County.”
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