Could the Chiefs Leave Missouri? Fans Rally as Lawmakers Scramble to Keep Them!

Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals are rallying behind efforts by Missouri lawmakers to ensure the teams remain in the Show-Me State, as both franchises explore options for new stadiums. The urgency of the situation has increased following the rejection of a sales tax by Jackson County voters, which would have funded the construction of new stadiums for both teams.

Governor Laura Kelly recently signed the STAR Bonds bill, a legislative effort designed to attract professional sports teams to the region by using Sales Tax and Revenue Bonds to finance major developments like new stadiums and practice facilities. The decision has prompted many local fans, especially Chiefs supporters, to voice their concerns about the potential departure of their beloved team.

“I’d be really upset if they let the state go,” said John Rice, a devoted Chiefs fan. “Arrowhead’s one of the best places to play in the NFL, the atmosphere is unmatchable anywhere else. They’ve been here since the 1960s; there’s no reason to leave.”

Rice’s sentiments are shared by many, especially after the city’s painful loss of the St. Louis Rams in 2016. Jacey Young, another Chiefs fan, voiced similar feelings: “We already lost one football team with the Rams, and I am a pretty passionate Chiefs fan. If they left, I don’t know. Kansas City or Kansas doesn’t really deserve that, I feel. We deserve them more.”

The potential departure of the Chiefs is not just a concern for the die-hard fans. Even residents who aren’t particularly fond of football see the economic and cultural value of keeping the team in Missouri. “It would benefit Missouri for both teams to stay,” one local said, emphasizing the positive impact professional sports can have on local economies and communities.

However, there is significant opposition to using public tax dollars to keep the teams in Missouri. Some voters argue that it is unfair to divert public funds toward stadium projects that primarily benefit private corporations. As the city, county, and state work to find solutions that would incentivize the Chiefs and Royals to remain in Missouri, the debate over public funding for professional sports teams continues to heat up.

As fans continue to cheer for a resolution, the fate of the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri remains uncertain, with both franchises exploring all possible options for their futures. Whether or not the teams will stay in the Show-Me State depends on the outcome of these ongoing negotiations and the willingness of local and state officials to strike a deal that will keep both teams in the heart of Missouri.