Marina
Will the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals remain in Missouri or make the move across the border to Kansas? The answer to this question is now at the center of a growing battle between the two states, as lawmakers on both sides scramble to offer the most attractive deal.
With deadlines fast approaching and billions of dollars at stake, the decision made by these two professional sports teams could reshape the region’s sports and economic landscape for decades to come.
Missouri Steps Up Its Game
For months, Kansas lawmakers had the edge after creating an aggressive financing package to lure the teams across state lines.
But now Missouri is fighting back, pushing forward its own multi-faceted deal designed to keep both franchises in Kansas City, Missouri.
Missouri lawmakers have advanced a proposal that would provide substantial public financing for both stadium projects.
The plan includes bonds to cover up to 50% of construction or renovation costs, along with $50 million in tax credits.
Annual bond payments would be limited to the amount of state tax revenue generated by the teams in the prior year, providing a safeguard for taxpayers.
Additionally, the Missouri plan includes incentives like disaster relief funding, property tax breaks for homeowners, and investments in state projects to attract broader legislative support.
Kansas’ STAR Bond Offer
On the other side of the state line, Kansas is relying on its newly passed STAR bond program, which could fund up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums through bonds paid off by future sales tax revenue from the stadium districts.
However, Kansas’ STAR bonds program comes with a looming expiration date. The current legislation authorizing the bonds expires on June 30, 2025. Both the Chiefs and Royals must decide whether to accept the offer before the deadline or risk losing out on the opportunity.
Kansas vs. Missouri Stadium Proposals
| Feature | Kansas Offer | Missouri Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Percentage | Up to 70% | Up to 50% |
| Tax Credits | None | $50 million |
| Bond Repayment | Sales tax revenue from STAR bonds | Team-generated state tax revenue, capped annually |
| Deadline | June 30, 2025 | Pending House approval, targeted for late June |
| Additional Incentives | N/A | Disaster relief, property tax breaks, state project investments |
Economic Impact
The economic stakes of this decision are enormous for both states. The Chiefs currently generate approximately $575 million in annual economic value for the Missouri side of Kansas City, supporting about 4,500 jobs and contributing nearly $30 million annually in state tax revenue.
The Royals’ proposed new stadium district is expected to support 8,400 jobs and deliver roughly $1.2 billion in annual economic output.
While public subsidies for stadiums are often debated, supporters argue that retaining both teams is critical to Kansas City’s economic vitality and national profile. Critics warn that the public return on such massive investments may not match the promises.
Political Dynamics and Timeline
Missouri’s proposal has already cleared the state Senate with a 19-13 vote and is now under consideration in the House. The inclusion of disaster relief and other incentives was key to gaining bipartisan support.
Meanwhile, Kansas lawmakers are keeping up the pressure. With the STAR bonds legislation set to expire at the end of June, state leaders are eager to finalize the deal before the window closes.
Both teams, however, are navigating complex internal timelines. The Chiefs are expected to announce their future stadium direction by June 20, while the Royals are closely monitoring the Missouri legislative process.
Key Dates to Watch
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | Jackson County voters rejected stadium sales tax extension |
| Mid-May 2025 | Missouri House advanced stadium funding proposal |
| Early June 2025 | Missouri Senate approved stadium funding bill |
| June 20, 2025 | Chiefs expected to announce stadium plans |
| June 30, 2025 | Deadline for Kansas STAR bond offer acceptance |
What’s Next?
Both Kansas and Missouri are pulling out all the stops to influence the Chiefs and Royals’ decisions. Missouri is racing to pass its final legislative approvals, while Kansas is counting down to the critical June 30 deadline.
The teams themselves face enormous decisions: accept Kansas’ potentially larger public subsidy package with less political risk or stay rooted in Missouri where a legacy of fan support and civic pride runs deep but where the legislative process is still in motion.
As the border war between Kansas and Missouri intensifies, the future homes of the Chiefs and Royals remain uncertain.
With billions of dollars in public funding at stake and deadlines rapidly approaching, the coming weeks will be pivotal. Whether the teams stay in Missouri or move to Kansas could redefine Kansas City’s sports and economic landscape for a generation.