Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a substantial legislative package aimed at retaining the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within the state. The law, approved by lawmakers during a special session called by Kehoe, includes hundreds of millions in financial incentives.
With both teams’ leases at the Truman Sports Complex set to expire in January 2031, the state is vying to keep the franchises from moving, particularly in light of attractive offers from neighboring Kansas. The newly signed package marks a proactive move to ensure the team’s continued presence in Missouri.
Missouri Responds to Kansas’ Offer With Competitive Stadium Incentives, Awaits Team Decisions
Kansas’ aggressive offer—bonds covering up to 70% of stadium construction costs—pressured Missouri to act. The Royals even acquired a mortgage on property in Kansas, although they continue to evaluate Missouri locations.
Missouri’s new legislation permits state bonds for up to 50% of project costs, along with $50 million in tax credits per stadium and additional local government support. Both teams are expected to make their decisions by the end of June, aligning with Kansas’ deadline for its subsidy offer.
Missouri Approves Major Stadium Incentives to Keep Chiefs and Royals From Crossing State LinesIf the teams remain in Missouri, the Chiefs have proposed a $1.15 billion renovation to Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile, the Royals have stated they intend to construct a new stadium to replace Kauffman Stadium.
A previous plan to fund an $800 million Arrowhead renovation and a $2 billion downtown Royals ballpark through a sales tax extension was defeated by Jackson County voters in 2023. The current aid package is seen as a last-ditch effort to avoid losing either franchise to Kansas.
Disaster Recovery Tied to Stadium Bill Amid Bipartisan Debate and Legal Concerns
The passage of the stadium funding legislation came just days after a devastating tornado struck St. Louis, causing $1.6 billion in damages. Lawmakers tied emergency disaster relief to the stadium aid package, garnering broad support.
Democratic Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, whose own neighborhood was damaged, emotionally recounted the destruction, highlighting the dual priorities of disaster recovery and economic retention represented by the bill.
Despite its passage, the bill faced criticism from both sides of the aisle. Detractors labeled it a corporate subsidy for wealthy sports team owners. Others raised legal concerns about a property tax break provision that was added to gain Senate support, arguing it could violate the state constitution by offering unequal relief across counties.
Republican Rep. Bryant Wolfin called the measure “unconstitutional” and “fiscally reckless,” though supporters argued it was a necessary step to protect Missouri’s economic and cultural assets.
