Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs comes out of the tunnel. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
There is growing belief that the Kansas City Chiefs could be on the move after Jackson County voters rejected a 40-year sales tax that would have paid for stadium renovations for the Super Bowl champions and the Kansas City Royals.
The decision could lead to the Chiefs leaving Missouri at some point, and there are likely several states considering bids to get them on their turf.
Neighboring Kansas is believed to be one such state, with The Kansas City Star reporting that there are already efforts to get one or both teams to cross state lines. The publication notes that Former Kansas Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman Jr. has teamed up with “mystery stakeholders” in an attempt to remove the word “City” from the team’s name.
“Jackson County fumbled. Now there will be a mad scramble for the ball, and we’re in the best position for a scoop and score,” Ryckman said.
>>> A former Kansas House Speaker is working with unnamed parties interested in drawing the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines
“Jackson County fumbled. Now there will be a mad scramble for the ball and we’re in the best position for a scoop and score"https://t.co/T5JMd86Xq3
— Jonathan Shorman (@jonshorman) April 3, 2024
Kansas Has A Plan To Lure The Kansas City Chiefs Away
Kansas was looking ahead when they legalized sports sports betting in 2022 given that state lawmakers agreed to set 80 percent of the revenue aside to attract professional sports teams.
“Thanks to the smart economic planning and the allocation of sports gaming bill proceeds, Kansas taxpayers will see minimal costs,” Ryckman said. “We are excited about the potential to create a mutually beneficial partnership between the Chiefs and Kansas. Together, we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
The fund is reported to have $4.1 million, a sum which is projected to rise to $10 million in 2025.
Of course, that’s not nearly enough to build a new NFL stadium, but The Star has pointed out that the city could use sales tax revenue bonds which allow municipalities to finance major projects with bonds that are covered by future tax revenue.
“I’m sure we would love to have them because they’re our teams, right?” said Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft. “But at the same time, we want to make sure we’re doing the right thing for the state of Kansas.“
The Chiefs’ lease with the Truman Sports Complex, which houses Arrowhead Stadium, expires at the beginning of 2031.
