Sportsnaut
The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals stadium saga just took a massive turn.
After weeks of intense back-and-forth, the Missouri Legislature has successfully approved a stadium funding bill for both beloved franchises. This new measure, set to be signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, who has championed keeping the teams in the Show Me State, essentially lets the Chiefs and Royals stadium funding happen based on their future state tax payments as collateral, potentially covering up to half the cost of any new or spruced-up facilities.
The Missouri Legislature has approved a stadium funding bill for the Chiefs and Royals.
The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who is expected to sign it after leading an effort to keep the teams from moving to neighboring Kansas. pic.twitter.com/DZu1MnZDji
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 11, 2025
It’s a remarkable turnaround, especially considering Jackson County voters soundly rejected a similar sales tax measure last year that would have funded new or improved Chiefs and Royals stadium projects. Despite challenges concerning public support for billionaire-owned teams, a clear majority in the House backed the bill, emphasizing the economic benefits these teams, particularly the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, bring.
As elected officials passionately argued, the cultural phenomenon surrounding the Chiefs, with stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, has truly transformed Kansas City from a flyover state to a national spotlight.
Related: Renderings for a Kansas City Chiefs domed stadium concept leak
But hold on, the Chiefs and Royals stadium funding plot thickens.
Neighboring Kansas hasn’t exactly bowed out, offering an even juicier deal that could fund up to 70 percent of stadium costs. This tempting Kansas provision is set to expire by the end of June, adding a ticking clock to the whole struggle. The Chiefs have made it clear they favor a domed stadium, envisioning year-round events and even hosting a Super Bowl. However, they also admit Arrowhead has a special place and a unique vibe that’s just plain hard to recreate.
#BREAKING: The Missouri House has sent the stadium funding proposal for the @Chiefs and @Royals to the desk of @GovMikeKehoe by a final vote of 90-58.@kmbc #moleg pic.twitter.com/XNtGcdMpIp
— Matt Evans (@MattEvansKMBC) June 11, 2025
So, what’s next in this high-stakes game? The ball is now squarely in the Chiefs’ and Royals’ court, forcing them to pick: a refreshed Arrowhead or a pricey new dome across the border in Kansas. While the Missouri nod is a significant development, the Chiefs themselves acknowledge there’s still work to be done as they continue exploring potential options.
With Kansas’s offer expiring by the end of June, don’t blink, because a full and final decision could be coming very, very soon.
Related: Chiefs, Royals ponder future after voters reject stadium tax
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