ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of ongoing stadium negotiations with lawmakers from both Kansas and Missouri, though the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain. The franchise has recently been granted an extension for a financing package deadline from the state of Kansas, indicating that a potential move from their long-time home at Arrowhead Stadium is a serious consideration.
In response to this development, Missouri has proposed its own funding package, signed by Republican Governor Mike Kehoe, which follows a special session of the state legislature. Chiefs president Mark Donovan elaborated on the negotiation process, stating, “We’ve had more meetings, more discussions. At this point it’s literally — you’re taking an agreement this long and whittling it down to this paragraph and this line, and we need an agreement on this, and we’re doing this on both sides.”
The Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals have called the Truman Sports Complex in Missouri home for over five decades, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. However, with leases with Jackson County set to expire in January 2031, both franchises have been proactively seeking solutions for their future stadium needs.
Last year, an extension of a sales tax that would have funded an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium and a $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals was rejected by Jackson County voters. As a result, both teams are pursuing independent paths to secure their stadium deals.
Missouri legislation now allows bonds to cover up to 50% of the costs associated with building new or renovating existing stadiums, supplemented by up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and various forms of local government support. Conversely, Kansas lawmakers have authorized funding covering up to 70% of costs for new stadiums within their state.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has expressed his emotional attachment to Arrowhead Stadium, originally built by his father, Lamar Hunt, when the team relocated from Dallas. Despite this sentimental value, Hunt recognizes the financial advantages associated with a new facility, including the potential for increased revenue streams. Consequently, while a comprehensive renovation of Arrowhead remains a possibility, Hunt is also considering the construction of an enclosed stadium that could host major events such as the Super Bowl and Final Four.
Meanwhile, the Royals have made it clear that they do not plan to renovate Kauffman Stadium. Principal owner John Sherman has advocated for a downtown baseball venue, with options still on the table. Recently, it was reported that an affiliate of the Royals acquired the mortgage on a sizeable property in Overland Park, Kansas, hinting at plans for a new stadium and accompanying ballpark district.
Mark Donovan reiterated the importance of the negotiations, stating, “Our job, and the team around me, is to get the two best possible partnerships figured out down to the detail. At that point, we go to the Hunt family and say, ‘Here are the options. What do you want to do?’” Donovan also emphasized the necessity of selecting the deal that offers the best business perspective and long-term benefits for both fans and future generations.
Overall, the ongoing discussions present a critical juncture in the future of both the Chiefs and the Royals, with significant implications for their respective fan bases and communities.
