Missouri Legislature Approves Stadium Funding Bill to Keep Chiefs and Royals in the State
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In a decisive move aimed at keeping two of Missouri’s most beloved professional sports franchises within state lines, the Missouri House on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill offering substantial public funding for new stadium projects. The legislation, now awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe’s signature, could play a pivotal role in whether the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals remain in Missouri or pursue options in neighboring Kansas.
The bill, which passed the Missouri Senate on June 5, features the “Show-Me Sports Investment Act”, a measure that would unlock state-backed financial support for stadium development. To qualify, projects must involve either an NFL or Major League Baseball team and carry a minimum price tag of $500 million. Under the act, Missouri could fund up to 50% of a qualifying stadium’s cost through state-issued bonds.
A Competitive Regional Battle
The legislation comes as Missouri faces mounting competition from Kansas, which has aggressively courted the Chiefs and Royals with its own Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program, offering up to 70% public funding for new stadiums. However, Kansas’s STAR bond program is set to expire at the end of June, putting additional pressure on both states to finalize their offers.
Proponents of Missouri’s bill argue that it levels the playing field and gives the state a fighting chance to retain its teams. “This legislation ensures we can compete,” said supporters, emphasizing that losing either franchise would deal a significant economic and cultural blow to Missouri.
The Teams Hold the Cards
While Missouri’s latest legislative move is significant, the final decision lies with the teams themselves. Both the Chiefs and Royals have indicated they are exploring all options, including potential moves across the state line into Kansas.
In Kansas City, Mayor Quinton Lucas welcomed the bill’s passage, noting that it increases the viability of a proposed Royals stadium at Washington Square Park. Unlike the failed countywide sales tax vote in April 2024, Lucas suggested that future local funding could proceed through city processes that do not require a public referendum.
Meanwhile, Clay County remains a strong contender for the Royals’ new home. Earlier this legislative session, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill granting Clay County the authority to form a sports complex authority, a key step in facilitating stadium development.
Jerry Nolte, Presiding Commissioner of Clay County, praised state leadership for pushing the funding bill forward. “These tools provide a foundation for meaningful economic development,” Nolte said. “We look forward to continued conversations with the Kansas City Royals about the possibilities for Clay County and the region.”
What’s Next
With state-level approval in place, attention now shifts to local governments and the teams’ internal decision-making. Governor Kehoe’s signature is widely expected, and his support throughout the process has been instrumental.
For now, Missouri has sent a clear message: it is ready to invest in the future of professional sports within the state. Whether that message is enough to keep the Chiefs and Royals rooted in Missouri remains to be seen.
