Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently signed legislation passed by the Kansas House and Senate that could potentially impact the future of sports teams in the Kansas City metro area, primarily the Chiefs and the Royals. The new law would cover 70 percent of the costs of new stadiums for NFL and MLB teams “in any state adjacent to Kansas,” putting the responsibility of the remaining 30 percent on the teams.
The law could provide an opportunity for the Chiefs and Royals to move to Kansas if they choose to do so. This development comes after voters in Jackson County, Missouri rejected an extension of a sales tax to fund stadium renovations, creating a dilemma for the teams on the Missouri side of the border.
Kansas City (Missouri) mayor Quinton Lucas has expressed willingness to make offers to both franchises, while acknowledging that they have a strong negotiating position. However, some argue that this is just another ploy by the teams to get better deals in Missouri.
Despite this uncertainty surrounding their future, it’s clear that whatever happens will have a significant impact on sports fans in Kansas City. Whether they remain on Missouri side or cross over to Kansas, residents will be affected by their decision. Ultimately, it’s up to these two powerful franchises to decide where they want their future home to be – but one thing is certain: their choice will not go unnoticed by those who care about sports in this vibrant metropolitan area.
