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In a bold move to secure the future of Patrick Mahomes' team, Kansas City Chiefs', as well as the Royals, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has called for a special legislative session to address stadium funding issues.
The goal is clear: keep both teams rooted in Missouri amid growing pressure from Kansas, which is making an aggressive push to lure them across state lines.
Kansas recently proposed a major incentive plan that would fund up to 70 percent of stadium construction costs using tools like STAR Bonds and liquor tax revenue, with no need for a public referendum.
In contrast, Missouri's own stadium funding proposal stalled when the state Senate failed to vote on it before the legislative session ended.
"This is a critical piece of economic development that I'd like to see us solidify our offer with legislative approval," said Governor Kehoe.
He emphasized that while talks have been happening for months, a special session is necessary to move things forward.
State Representative Ashley Aune echoed the importance of careful consideration, saying: "A special session will allow the legislature to thoroughly vet the governor's proposal, gather public input and ensure the interests of Missouri taxpayers are protected - steps the governor previously tried to skip."
She continued, "Keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri is vital to Kansas City's culture and economy, but committing public resources to that purpose can't be done by cutting corners."
Legislative challenges and local pushback
Despite bipartisan for keeping the teams in Missouri, there's resistance from within the state legislature, especially when it comes to public spending. Senator Joe Nicola, who represents the area that includes Arrowhead Stadium, voiced his concerns about the lack of broader economic for his constituents.
"I don't want the Chiefs to leave. I want them to stay right where they're at," he said. "But our people are hurting in Jackson County. Until we get some property tax relief, I'm a no."
Earlier this year, the 'Show-Me Sports Investment Act' was introduced to recapture a portion of stadium-related state tax revenues and redirect them toward team retention efforts. However, the bill failed to gain traction in the Senate, leaving the future of Missouri's pro sports teams in limbo.
With Kansas laying out an enticing offer and a July 1 deadline fast approaching, Missouri lawmakers are under mounting pressure to act.
The special session could determine whether two of the state's most iconic sports franchises remain in Kansas City or are enticed to move just across the border, which could affect Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
The next few weeks will be crucial. The future of the Chiefs and Royals isn't just a matter of geography - it's a reflection of Missouri's economic priorities, legislative cooperation, and its ability to rally around symbols of community pride.