Kansas may secure a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs today, Dec. 22, to build a new stadium across the state line.
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to present their proposal for a funding deal to the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Committee, which is comprised of the state’s top legislative leaders. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson announced on Dec. 19 that the Chiefs will be at the Kansas Statehouse while talking to KCMO Talk Radio’s Pete Mundo.
“I am expecting a proposal from the Chiefs,” Masterson said, without saying what he expects to be included in the proposal. He added, “No deal is done until it’s done.”
Meeting is last chance to accept proposal from pro sports team
The meeting is the last chance Kansas lawmakers can accept a proposal from a professional sports team before their self-imposed deadline of Dec. 31. The Legislative Coordinating Council could theoretically accept a deal as late as June 30, 2026, but House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said he wouldn’t accept an offer next year.
“December 31st is the STAR Bond deadline. It’s been the deadline since the LCC voted on it and as Chair of the LCC next year, I can assure you that is not going to change. I hope both the Chiefs and the Royals can come to an agreement with the State by that date,” Hawkins said in a press release on Dec. 18.
Kansas lawmakers passed a bill in the 2024 special session expanding Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds for professional sports teams considering a move to Kansas. STAR Bonds are an economic development tool that issues bonds that are repaid with sales taxes generated within a development area.
Kansas City Royals ‘not on the agenda’ for Monday meeting
Kansas authorized a state share of up to 70% of construction costs for a new stadium or training facility. The legislation was written to allow proposals from both the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals, but Masterson Mundo that the Royals were “not on the agenda.”