Missouri Signs Stadium Aid Bill to Retain Chiefs, Royals Through 2031

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a legislative package aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state by providing hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid for stadium construction or renovation. This legislation authorizes state-backed bonds for up to 50% of stadium costs and includes $50 million in tax credits per project, responding to Kansas' competing offer that covers up to 70% of costs and the Royals' purchase of land in Kansas. Both franchises currently lease the Truman Sports Complex until 2031, and while neither has made a firm commitment, the Chiefs have proposed a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, and the Royals plan to replace Kauffman Stadium. The Missouri bill also contains taxpayer protections and updates tax credit programs for amateur sports, aiming to boost the state's economy. The Kansas offer expires June 30, and both teams hope to finalize their decisions before then, with Kansas City officials expressing optimism that the new legislation will help retain the teams and foster further development in the area. The move follows a failed sales tax extension vote in Jackson County in 2024 that had sought to fund stadium upgrades and counteracts Kansas' recent legislative efforts to attract the teams across the state line.