Arrowhead Stadium (KCTV5)
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a major stadium funding plan aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state. The new legislation, approved by lawmakers earlier in the week, offers hundreds of millions of dollars to help build or upgrade stadiums.
Kehoe, a Republican, called a special session for lawmakers to vote on the package, which passed on Wednesday.
Why the Funding Matters
Both teams currently play at the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, where Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Chiefs) and Kauffman Stadium (home of the Royals) sit side by side. Their leases with Jackson County run out in January 2031, and both franchises have been exploring future options.
Last year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension that would have helped fund an $800 million upgrade to Arrowhead and a brand-new $2 billion ballpark district in downtown Kansas City for the Royals.
As talks in Missouri stalled, Kansas stepped in. Lawmakers there approved a plan to cover up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums using bonds. The Royals have even bought a mortgage for land in Kansas but are still looking at other options in Missouri.
The Kansas offer expires on June 30, and both teams are expected to make their decisions by then.
What Missouri’s Plan Includes
Missouri’s new legislation allows the state to cover up to 50% of the cost for new or renovated stadiums. It also includes up to $50 million in tax credits per stadium and offers additional support from local governments.
The Chiefs have proposed a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium if they stay in Missouri. The Royals have said they want to build a brand-new stadium to replace Kauffman.
This funding package also applies to the St. Louis Cardinals — if they begin a project costing at least $500 million. Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals play, opened nearly 20 years ago.
Balancing Sports and Storm Recovery
The stadium funding was already a hot topic in Missouri before a devastating tornado hit the St. Louis area on May 16. The storm caused an estimated $1.6 billion in damage, just one day after lawmakers wrapped up their regular session.
That disaster helped push support for the bill. Democratic Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins shared emotional testimony about how the tornado tore off her roof and damaged homes and businesses in her district.
“Homes are crumbled and leveled,” Collins said. “It hurts me to my core to see the families and businesses that have worked so hard be ripped apart.”
Reactions from Teams and Lawmakers
In a statement to the Associated Press, the Chiefs called the vote a “significant step forward” as they continue looking at ways to stay in Missouri. The Royals said the legislation is an “important part” of their decision-making but didn’t commit to a specific site.
“Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners, and regional community,” the Royals said in their statement.
Some lawmakers, however, voiced concerns. Critics from both parties said the bill favors wealthy team owners. Others argued that a late addition giving property tax breaks to homeowners in certain counties is unconstitutional.
“This bill is unconstitutional, it’s fiscally reckless, it’s morally wrong,” said Republican Rep. Bryant Wolfin.
Still, many believe the funding plan could help keep the Chiefs and Royals where they’ve always been — in Missouri.
“We have the chance to maybe save what is the symbol of this state,” said Republican Rep. Jim Murphy of St. Louis County.
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This report used information from ESPN.
