• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Weeks after Missouri legislators passed stadium funding for the Chiefs and Royals, Kansas has made sure it remains firmly in the hunt for one or both teams. 

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

The Kansas-Missouri stadium border war surrounding the NFL’s Chiefs and MLB’s Royals is set to continue, at least for a few more months, extending and heightening the drama around one of the most-watched facility deliberations in sports. 

A bipartisan group of Kansas lawmakers voted unanimously Monday to keep in place a framework for stadium bonds, called Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds, that was originally passed last year. Those bonds had been set to expire on June 30, but the vote now legally extends the deadline by a year, to the same date in 2026. Kansas officials, however, have said they want a decision from the teams by the end of this year. 

The Kansas funding, aimed at turning the state into a “professional sports powerhouse” in the words of Gov. Laura Kelly, would provide up to 70% of the cost of the stadiums for one or both of the teams. 

“Although I don’t like having to extend the statute for this, I feel in fairness to the teams, it’s incumbent on us to make sure that we do things that are fair and above-board,” said Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins. 

Broader Considerations

The Chiefs, the NFL’s most-watched team on television and still an on-field power, are at the center of the Kansas bond deliberations as discussions continue with the state about the team potentially relocating across the border from Missouri to Kansas to build a new, domed stadium. Such a facility would be capable of hosting major events such as the Super Bowl and Final Four in addition to housing Chiefs games.

As the original expiration of the Kansas bond structure approached, the Chiefs asked state officials for more time as they determine their facility future and whether to leave Missouri. A large-scale renovation of the team’s current stadium, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., is also an option, and Missouri officials recently approved their own funding mechanism that would aid in such an effort.

“The complexity and scale of the project—and the importance of crafting a structure that works for all stakeholders—make it clear that more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan recently wrote in a letter to Kansas legislators. 

The Chiefs previously had said they wanted to make a stadium decision “by summer at the latest,” but the recent moves in both states will extend that timeline. 

“It’s literally getting down to the final points and making sure that everybody’s in agreement on what we need to do, and that we have all the pieces lined up,” Donovan said of the forthcoming stadium decision.

The Royals, meanwhile, are continuing their own ballpark deliberations separate from the Chiefs, but more definitively plan to build a new facility to succeed Kauffman Stadium. Where that will be, though, remains an open question.

“Our focused discussions continue as we seek the best option for the future generational home of the Kansas City Royals,” the club said. “The extension of the Kansas STAR bond legislation enables us to continue our pursuit of the right choice for our fans, our organization, and our regional community.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

How Sports Leagues Are Responding to NFL Headquarters Shooting

The building housing the NFL headquarters was barricaded and closed Tuesday.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. begins two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.

NFL Insiders Delivered Crucial Updates Around Midtown Shooting

Top NFL reporters reached sources at the scene of the shooting.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
July 25, 2025

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.
July 25, 2025

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.
Workers prepare for the Red Sox home-opener at Fenway Park on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
July 23, 2025

Fenway Park Workers Say They’ll Strike Friday Without a Deal

The Red Sox host the Dodgers this weekend.
Ryan Field Construction
exclusive
July 19, 2025

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.