On Friday, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed legislation that will enable the state to attract the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Major League Baseball's Royals by assisting in funding new stadiums. The move comes after the Republican-led Legislature approved the measure with bipartisan support, indicating the urgency with which Kansas officials are pursuing the teams.
The new law, effective July 1, allows for bonds to cover 70% of a new stadium's cost, with the state having 30 years to pay them off using revenues from sports betting, state lottery ticket sales, and new sales and alcohol taxes in the stadium vicinity.
The Kansas-Missouri border divides the Kansas City area, with most residents on the Missouri side. The legislation was prompted by Missouri voters' rejection of a sales tax to maintain the existing stadium complex, leading the Royals and Chiefs to consider new stadium plans.
The Royals proposed a $2 billion-plus ballpark in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, while the Chiefs planned an $800 million renovation of their current home. Concerns were raised about the teams potentially seeking substantial government subsidies by playing the two states against each other.
Supporters of bringing the teams to Kansas emphasized the risk of losing them to another city if prompt action is not taken. Economists have expressed doubts about the financial viability of a move for the teams or a new host city, as league approval is required for franchise relocations.
The stadium financing plan was swiftly approved during a special session, alongside tax cuts, with the law applying to NFL and MLB stadiums in adjacent states. Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed readiness to present competitive offers to retain the teams, acknowledging their leverage in negotiations.
Overall, the legislation signals Kansas' proactive approach to securing the Chiefs and Royals, highlighting the competitive dynamics between neighboring states in the realm of professional sports.
