In an effort to attract professional sports franchises from the NBA, NHL, NFL, or MLB, lawmakers in Kansas are working on a plan to fund new stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. The proposal includes temporary changes to the STAR Bonds program and would only allow for two stadium projects with a minimum investment of $1 billion and stadiums seating at least 30,000 spectators. Practice facilities are also required for the teams.
Kansas Representative Sean Tarwater emphasized the importance of sending a positive message to the sports community after Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax that would have helped fund stadium projects for the teams. The Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt has indicated that the team is exploring options outside of Jackson County, prompting Kansas lawmakers to push for a solution.
Efforts to finalize the details of the funding package were expected to continue at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. Lawmakers are working to secure funding for new stadiums that would benefit both the Chiefs and the Royals, ensuring that Kansas remains an attractive destination for professional sports teams.
