Marina
In a significant move to retain two of Missouri’s most prominent sports franchises, the Missouri Senate has passed a bill aimed at funding new or renovated stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.
This legislative action comes amid concerns that both teams might relocate to neighboring Kansas, which has extended a more generous financial offer.
Legislative Details
Senate Bill 3, known as the Show Me Sports Investment Act, was approved by the Missouri Senate with a vote of 19-13.
The bill proposes that the state cover up to 50% of the costs for stadium projects, utilizing tax revenues generated by the teams. To qualify, stadiums must:
- Have a seating capacity of at least 30,000.
- Serve a professional baseball or football team.
- Incur construction costs of at least $500 million.
The bill also includes a clawback provision, ensuring that if a team relocates after receiving state funds, it must reimburse the state for the invested amount.
Competing Offers from Kansas
Kansas has presented a more lucrative proposal, offering to cover up to 70% of stadium construction costs through its STAR bond program.
This offer is set to expire at the end of June 2025, adding urgency to Missouri’s efforts to keep the teams within the state.
Team Responses and Deadlines
- Kansas City Chiefs: Owner Clark Hunt has emphasized the need for a finalized stadium plan by the end of Summer 2025, aligning with the team’s lease expiration at Arrowhead Stadium in 2031. The Chiefs are considering a potential move to Kansas if a satisfactory deal is not reached.
- Kansas City Royals: The Royals are exploring options for a new stadium, with potential sites in both Missouri and Kansas. An affiliate of the team has acquired the mortgage of the Aspiria campus in Overland Park, Kansas, indicating serious consideration of relocation.
Financial Implications
The proposed funding mechanisms have sparked debate among Missouri legislators and residents. Critics argue that public funds should not be used to support private sports franchises, especially when other pressing needs, such as tornado recovery in St. Louis, require attention.
Proponents, including Governor Mike Kehoe, stress the significant economic impact of retaining the teams, citing job creation and increased tax revenues.
Public Opinion and Previous Votes
In April 2024, Jackson County voters rejected a 3/8-cent sales tax extension intended to fund stadium renovations.
This outcome has influenced the current legislative approach, shifting the focus to state-level funding without requiring additional local taxes.
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Name | Show Me Sports Investment Act |
| Senate Vote | 19-13 in favor |
| State Funding | Up to 50% of stadium costs |
| Kansas Offer | Up to 70% funding via STAR bonds |
| Chiefs Lease Expiration | 2031 |
| Royals Lease Expiration | 2031 |
| Kansas Offer Deadline | End of June 2025 |
| Clawback Provision | Teams must repay state funds if they relocate after receiving support |
The Missouri Senate’s approval of the Show Me Sports Investment Act represents a critical step in the state’s efforts to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
While the bill offers substantial financial incentives, the teams’ decisions will ultimately hinge on the comparative benefits of Missouri’s and Kansas’s proposals.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future locations of these iconic franchises.