Kansas Lawmakers Delay Vote on $1 Billion Bond Proposal for New Chiefs and Royals Stadiums

Kansas lawmakers have delayed a vote on a $1 billion bond proposal aimed at luring the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to Kansas for new stadiums. The proposal would have allowed Kansas to authorize bonds to cover the entire cost of building new stadiums for the two teams, with the debt being paid off by tax revenues generated in the area over 30 years.

However, the vote was postponed amid concerns over corporate welfare and prioritizing tax cuts for constituents. Some critics derided the plan as corporate welfare, while others were receptive but wanted to pass tax cuts for their constituents first before approving the stadium financing.

The idea is not dead yet, as lawmakers expect the governor to call a special session to try to get a tax plan passed that she will accept, and they could consider the stadium financing proposal then. Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a major tax cut package, with some Republicans breaking ranks to narrowly fail to override the veto.

Why this matters: The potential relocation of the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas has significant economic and cultural implications for both Kansas and Missouri. The outcome of this stadium financing proposal could shape the future of professional sports in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Sports architect David Manica has developed conceptual renderings of a new domed stadium for the Chiefs near The Legends and Kansas Speedway in western Wyandotte County. The proposed stadium would generate new sales tax revenue to retire the STAR Bonds issued by Kansas to help finance the project.

The Chiefs have not commented on a possible move to Kansas but are exploring their options, which could include a reimagined Arrowhead Stadium or a new domed stadium. The team's current lease at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri expires in 2030.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson stated that the state will utilize all tools available to keep the Chiefs in Missouri, emphasizing the team's significant economic impact. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas noted that the Missouri legislature can match or outdo any incentives offered by Kansas.

The failed Kansas plan has given Missouri a glimpse of the kind of state support Kansas may be willing to offer in the future. Experts have questioned the move by either state to offer sweeping financing for a new stadium, especially without requiring the teams to guarantee some level of private investment.

Key Takeaways

• Kansas lawmakers delayed a $1B bond proposal to lure Chiefs, Royals to Kansas.
• The plan faced criticism as corporate welfare, with some wanting tax cuts first.
• Governor Kelly vetoed a tax cut package, and a special session is expected.
• The potential relocation has significant economic and cultural implications for the region.
• Missouri vows to utilize tools to keep the Chiefs, while experts question state financing.