Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs are set to benefit from a new stadium funding plan proposed by lawmakers in the state of Kansas. The plan, which includes temporary changes to the STAR Bonds program, aims to attract professional sports franchises from the NBA, NHL, NFL, or MLB. The proposal allows 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.
The stadiums and facilities do not have to be built in the same location, with Kansas Representative Sean Tarwater emphasizing 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. 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 Royals, ensuring that Kansas remains an attractive destination for professional sports teams.