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In a high-stakes move to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, the state House ed a major stadium funding plan Tuesday backed by Governor Mike Kehoe and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
The proposal, introduced as a last-minute amendment, would help finance a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium and a new home for the Royals, though key details remain unsettled.
Missouri rushes stadium deal
The plan, dubbed the "Show Me Sports Investment Act," was added to unrelated legislation and ed the House in a 108-40 vote.
With just days left before the legislative session ends, its fate now rests with the Senate, where reactions have been mixed.
"The plan works as long as they stay in Missouri," Gov. Kehoe said, defending the urgency of the proposal.
Under the legislation, Missouri would fund up to half the cost of the stadium projects through bond payments, capped at the amount of state tax revenue the teams generated in the prior year.
Teams would also be eligible for up to $50 million in tax credits, provided they remain based in Missouri.
A clawback provision would recoup funds if either franchise relocates to another state.
ers framed the proposal as a defensive move against Kansas, which recently expanded its own tax incentive program in an effort to lure the teams across the border.
"We need to compete with Kansas, and we need to compete now," said state Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City Republican.
"This is the exact same funding Missouri would lose out on if the teams moved."
But not all lawmakers were convinced.
Critics cited the rushed nature of the vote and the lack of a clear cost estimate.
"This is not a good economic decision," said Rep. Richard West, a Wentzville Republican.
Others expressed concern that stadium funding was prioritized over public needs like healthcare and education.
"I'm extremely disgusted and disappointed with this process," said Rep. Emily Weber of Kansas City.
Still, the bill garnered bipartisan , with both Democrats and Republicans pointing to the economic value of the Chiefs and Royals.
"We would be crazy to let this team get away from us," said Rep. David Tyson Smith.
Whether that is enough to carry the plan through the Senate before time runs out remains uncertain.
"It's going to be tough," said state Sen. Ben Brown.
"But we'll just have to see if it can make it across the finish line."