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Chiefs Need More Time to Execute Their Vision for a Domed Stadium in Kansas

On Thursday, the ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts by both the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to find new stadium sites took another turn. Earlier this week, the Chiefs favored Missouri, and the Royals preferred Kansas. Now, it’s anyone’s guess where they’ll end up.

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Kansas State Senate President Ty Masterson shared a letter from Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan on Thursday, expressing his desire to extend the Star Bonds through the end of 2025. They are set to expire at the end of this month, but the Senate will meet after the July 4th break to discuss the Chiefs’ request.

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In his remarks to the Kansas Senate President, Mark Donovan provided detailed information not only about his enthusiasm for the prospects of relocating the Chiefs to Kansas but also about the scope of their vision. He wants more time to finalize a deal.

“Together, we have the opportunity to bring the National Football League (NFL) to Kansas, anchored by a world-class domed stadium, new team headquarters, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a vibrant mixed-use and entertainment district,” Donovan stated.

“We believe the foundation is in place for something truly historic—not only for our team but for the future of the State’s economy and national profile. The possibilities for job creation, tourism, long-term tax revenue, and regional pride are unparalleled, and this project has the potential to reshape the State’s economic trajectory for decades to come.”

On the downside, Kansas officials have not responded to the Chiefs’ latest proposal that was submitted six weeks ago. I wouldn’t read too much into it, but Donovan was clear about the type of facility the organization is committed to developing. It also serves as a notice to Missouri that the Chiefs won’t give the state a hometown deal.

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In other words, a world-class stadium for the game’s premier football team wants a dome and every other amenity possible to determine where the groundbreaking ceremony will take place in 2026.

Now, Kansas officials probably don’t want to wait until the end of 2025, but they might not have a choice.

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Despite the efforts by Missouri legislators to approve funds to keep both franchises in the state, it’s unlikely they could generate enough funds to match the Kansas offer. However, if Jackson County can once again introduce a stadium tax, and it is approved, they’d exceed the Kansas offer.

But what’s to stop Wyandotte County from doing the same and getting it on the ballot in August or November? If that happens, they will stay the leader in financial assistance in the latest border war.

The fact that the Chiefs presented a detailed plan that includes all the amenities they want certainly gives Kansas the advantage. They have the land and a much more straightforward process to quickly extend the use of the Star Bonds and get a stadium tax vote on the ballot.

Furthermore, it’s clear that wherever the Chiefs end up in Missouri, they want a domed stadium. The current deal with Missouri is unclear regarding whether it’s for an upgrade or a new stadium. If renovations can’t be made due to safety concerns, a new 30-year extension might only be secured by building a new stadium.

Regarding the Royal Owner, John Sherman was on the ground in Washington Park on Thursday, inspecting the option with his team. Mayor Quinton Lucas is doing what he does best: creating photo opportunities and making promises that he might not be able to keep.

Again, if the Chiefs or Royals are going to stay in Jackson County, a stadium tax must be approved, and they better be confident that Lucas can deliver it if they are asking Kansas to extend the deal window.

Yet, Kansas, knowing it could be in second place, might decide not to play the waiting game. I suggest extending the Star Bonds deadline until October 1st to give Missouri a firm date to include it on the November ballot.

If it is somehow completed, they should have a secondary agreement in place to honor the Chiefs’ request to extend the Star Bonds to December 31, 2025. Thus, if they fail to get it on the ballot, that will force the Chiefs’ hand to commit to Kansas much earlier.

The Royals, on the other hand, own the lease at the T-Mobile Complex, and I think they’d be wise to pursue that route and end their partnership with the Chiefs over another stadium tax issue in Jackson County. I suspect it will be easier to approve one team versus two.

In the end, we had hoped this saga would conclude before the All-Star Break for the Royals and before the Chiefs head to training camp in St. Joe in July.

Nevertheless, the closing of Mark Donovan’s letter to the Kansas Senate President conveyed the main sentiment of the Chiefs organization. 

“We are grateful for your continued leadership and support. We believe this project could mark the start of a defining new chapter for both Kansas and the Chiefs, and we look forward to continuing to explore that potential together.” Donovan concluded.

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