Kansas lawmakers are trying to create an enticing plan to persuade the Chiefs or Royals to cross state lines.
Jonathan Shorman of The Kansas City Star reports that Kansas legislators are expected to vote Tuesday on a proposal to finance a new stadium fully.
Shorman added that on Monday night, legislative negotiators adopted a proposal to authorize up to two sales tax and revenue bond districts for professional sports. This would allow municipalities to issue construction bonds, which would be paid off by future sales tax revenue. The term of this bond could last for 30 years.
This comes after 58 percent of voters in Jackson County, Mo., recently rejected a 40-year sales tax that would’ve paid for constructing a new Royals ballpark in downtown Kansas City and renovating Arrowhead Stadium. Now, the teams plan to pursue their new stadium deals independently.
“The Royals are going to be looking at options that may not include the [Truman] Sports Complex, and we’ll be doing the same thing,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt recently said, via Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. “So, I really think at this point it makes sense for us to go our separate ways.”
Hunt also indicated leaving Arrowhead and heading to another state is an option, but don’t count on the Chiefs skipping town anytime soon.
The Chiefs’ lease expires in 2030. Meanwhile, the Royals’ lease ends in 2031. This means both organizations still have time to develop plans for new stadiums.
Even if the proposal in Kansas passes, don’t be surprised if the Royals and Chiefs stay put.
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