Patrick
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The long-term home fields of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals are still undecided, but new developments suggest clarity could arrive soon.
Kansas Engages in Stadium Talks With Chiefs
The Kansas Department of Commerce confirmed this week that it is actively negotiating with the Kansas City Chiefs about the possibility of constructing a new stadium and supporting facilities within Kansas.
While officials emphasized that no deal has been finalized, the department described the opportunity as a potential “massive economic win for Kansas” with benefits lasting for generations.
This update comes just days before a Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) meeting scheduled for Monday in Topeka, which has drawn increased attention from lawmakers, media, and sports fans alike.
Legislative Meeting Sparks Speculation
Sports radio host Soren Petro of 810 WHB reported that the Chiefs are expected to attend the upcoming LCC meeting, while the Royals are not anticipated to be present. Petro also suggested that a formal announcement could follow shortly after the meeting.
In response to these reports, the Kansas Department of Commerce reiterated its position, stating that discussions with the Chiefs are ongoing and that the state is “aggressively pursuing this opportunity.”
Deadline Approaches, No Location Confirmed
Kansas Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins told KMBC that the decision timeline will not be extended, indicating that any agreement must be reached before the end of the year.
As of now, no specific site has been confirmed, and the Chiefs have not officially announced any plans. However, one frequently mentioned Kansas-side option is the Village West area in western Wyandotte County.
Royals Exploring Separate Kansas Options
The stadium situation does not involve the Chiefs alone. The Kansas City Royals have also acknowledged interest in relocating, with Johnson County emerging as a potential site.
A spokesperson for Senate President Ty Masterson, Megan Stookey, stated that while the Royals remain committed to Kansas, their location proposal is still evolving. She added that no final decision will be made this year or during the upcoming legislative session.
Kansas City and Missouri Respond
Amid growing speculation, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office issued a firm statement, emphasizing that negotiations will not be conducted publicly. The city reaffirmed its commitment to working with Missouri partners and both teams to secure outcomes that best serve the community and ensure long-term success.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Missouri’s office stated that Governor Mike Kehoe and his team remain in regular contact with both franchises. The governor continues to advocate for keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, asserting that the state remains the best home for both teams.
Jackson County Remains Confident
Adding to the conversation, Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota expressed optimism that the Chiefs can stay in Jackson County. He indicated that a competitive proposal is in the works and that details could be announced soon.
With Kansas and Missouri both positioning themselves as ideal hosts, the future stadium locations of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals remain a high-stakes regional issue.
Active negotiations, looming deadlines, and competing proposals suggest that a decision may be closer than ever. Until official announcements are made, all eyes remain on upcoming legislative meetings and the next moves from both teams.