Are the Kansas City Chiefs Planning a Move to Kansas?
The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly in talks with the state of Kansas regarding a potential move. This development comes as the state’s Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) is scheduled to hold a meeting in Topeka on Monday at 1 p.m. The meeting may lead to the approval of STAR bonds that could fund up to 70% of a new stadium’s construction costs.
Details on STAR Bonds and Meeting Insights
The proposed STAR bonds would be paid back over 30 years through revenue from sports betting, lottery tickets, and new tax income generated by the stadium. The LCC has set a deadline of January 1, 2026, for any proposals involving STAR bonds for sports facilities moving to Kansas. However, this opportunity hinges on legislation expiring on July 1, 2026.
The Kansas Department of Commerce confirmed ongoing discussions with the Chiefs but did not verify all details from a recent media report. According to officials, no final agreement has been reached yet.
Statements from Officials
LCC chairman Ty Masterson addressed recent interest in the STAR bond proposal, particularly from the Kansas City Royals. He noted that the Royals have made progress satisfying LCC proposal requirements, indicating they are committed to relocating to Kansas. However, there was no mention of the Chiefs in his statement.
- Masterson clarified that Royals’ location proposals are still evolving.
- He emphasized that no decisions would be made during the upcoming legislative session.
In light of these developments, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins reiterated that December 31 is the STAR bond deadline established by the LCC. Meanwhile, an update from Masterson highlighted that the procedural timeline remains unchanged.
Kansas City Mayor’s Position
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has stated that the city is actively working to retain its teams on the Missouri side. He asserted that negotiations will not be public and reaffirmed that the city’s discussions with the Chiefs and the Royals continue. Lucas emphasized their commitment to finding solutions beneficial to the community and the teams.
Future Implications
The outcome of the LCC meeting and ongoing negotiations could have significant economic impacts on Kansas. Approval of the STAR bonds and a successful agreement with the Chiefs could lead to a new stadium, benefiting the local economy for future generations.
