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Kansas state officials are reconsidering the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond extension, which could influence whether the Kansas City Chiefs relocate across state lines.
Although many believed June 30 was the final deadline to approve the extension, it turns out that the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) can vote to retroactively extend the STAR Bond deadline. That decision is now set for Monday, July 7.
Letter from Chiefs Sparks Political Reaction
Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson shared that Chiefs President Mark Donovan recently sent a letter on June 26, outlining the team’s interest in further discussions.
The letter reportedly helped reassure Masterson that negotiations were active and not just a bargaining tactic.
“I told them I needed confirmation that the talks were serious — something that shows they’re moving the ball forward,” Masterson said on FOX4’s “4 The People.”
However, Donovan’s letter also pointed out a lack of state response for the past six weeks:
“We’ve had no response to our last proposal from the administration… though we remain optimistic.”
Masterson expressed surprise at this claim and suggested Kansas officials might be more focused on the Royals than the Chiefs — a sentiment he does not share.
Governor Kelly’s Role and Senate Leaders’ Uncertainty
When asked about the situation, Governor Laura Kelly’s office redirected all inquiries to Lieutenant Governor David Toland, who leads the Department of Commerce.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a member of the LCC, acknowledged she’s still undecided about her vote on the STAR Bond extension.
“I’m reviewing the statute and seeking legal guidance,” Sykes said. “We’ve had a year to negotiate. I don’t want to give them another 365 days of back-and-forth without progress.”
Sykes emphasized the need for transparency and warned against being used by either the Chiefs or Royals as leverage in broader negotiations.
Democratic Votes Might Not Be Needed
Despite her hesitancy, Sykes noted that if Masterson secures enough Republican votes, the measure could pass without Democratic support.
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, also from Lenexa and one of only two Democrats on the LCC, has confirmed he plans to support the extension.
The future of the Kansas City Chiefs’ potential move to Kansas remains uncertain as key state leaders weigh whether to extend the STAR Bond program.
With a critical vote approaching on July 7, political negotiations continue behind the scenes to ensure that Kansas remains a competitive option.
All eyes are now on the Legislative Coordinating Council’s decision, which could shape the region’s sports and economic landscape for years.