In a move reminiscent of the power struggles in the “Game of Thrones” series, Kansas lawmakers made a bold move to attract professional sports teams to the state. The legislators approved a plan to entice the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals to move across the border from Missouri by authorizing state bonds to help finance new stadiums and practice facilities for both teams. The goal is to create a professional sports powerhouse in Kansas, potentially joining Sporting KC as major league attractions with new entertainment districts surrounding them, boosting the state’s economy with new jobs, visitors, and revenues.
The approval of the plan is part of a strategic effort to take advantage of Missouri voters’ refusal to continue a local sales tax used to finance the maintenance of the teams’ stadiums. This move by Kansas lawmakers is seen as a way to seize leverage and convince the teams to relocate to Kansas. The plan would allow state bonds to cover up to 70% of each new stadium, to be paid off over 30 years with revenues generated from sports betting, state lottery ticket sales, and new sales and alcohol taxes from the surrounding districts built around the new stadiums.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed her support for the bipartisan effort to invite the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas as a means of keeping the beloved teams in the Kansas City metro area. Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas promised to present a plan to retain both teams in Missouri. The Chiefs and Royals responded positively to the legislation, expressing gratitude for the proactive outreach by leaders in the State of Kansas and supporting the efforts to expand the STAR Bond program to achieve economic development goals. Both teams look forward to exploring the options provided by the legislation and prioritize the best interests of their fans, associates, and taxpayers in the decision-making process.
The potential move of the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas could transform the state into a sports destination with major league attractions and vibrant entertainment districts, bringing in new jobs, visitors, and revenues that stimulate the Kansas economy. This bold political maneuver by Kansas lawmakers reflects the high stakes and competition akin to the power struggles portrayed in the “Game of Thrones” series. The bipartisan effort to lure the professional sports teams across the border showcases the determination of Kansas to secure the economic and cultural benefits that come with hosting successful sports franchises. The future of professional sports in Kansas remains uncertain, but the approved plan sets the stage for potential growth and prosperity in the state’s sports industry.
