Kansas Lawmakers Push for New Stadiums to Lure Chiefs and Royals
In a bold move to attract the two biggest professional sports teams in Kansas City, some Kansas lawmakers proposed a bill that would authorize at least $1 billion in bonds to finance new stadiums for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs and Major League Baseball’s Royals. The plan aimed to cover the entire cost of construction for each stadium, with the debt to be repaid over 30 years using tax revenues generated in the surrounding area. However, concerns were raised about the potential burden on taxpayers, leading to a fizzling out of the proposal.
The initiative gained traction after voters in Missouri rejected a sales tax extension to maintain the current stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. Kansas legislators, particularly led by Kansas House Commerce Committee Chair Sean Tarwater, saw an opportunity to provide an alternative for the sports teams, preventing them from leaving Kansas City, which would have adverse effects on both states. The push for the new stadiums reflects the competitive nature of attracting and retaining professional sports teams in a region.
Royals owner John Sherman has already indicated that the team will not continue playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, while the Chiefs express hope in remaining at Arrowhead Stadium. Proponents of the plan argue that the financing mechanism is sound, as the bonds would be repaid through new taxes generated by the development around the stadiums. Additionally, professional players would be subject to state income tax on the portion of their earnings from the stadiums in Kansas.
Critics, such as Democratic Sen. Tom Holland and conservative GOP Sen. Dennis Pyle, have voiced opposition to the proposal, labeling it as “economic development for millionaires” and questioning its priority in Kansas. The debate highlights the complex dynamics of public investment in sports infrastructure and the balancing act between economic development and taxpayer interests. Democratic state Rep. John Carmichael emphasized the need for thorough deliberation on such a significant financial commitment, cautioning against hasty decision-making in pursuing the relocation of the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas.
As the discussion continues, the fate of the stadium financing proposal remains uncertain. Whether Kansas will be successful in enticing the sports teams across the border or if alternative solutions will emerge, the issue underscores the intricate interplay between sports, politics, and public finance in shaping the future of professional sports in the region.
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