The Kansas Legislature has passed a bill designed to entice the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to relocate across the state line.
The bill, known as the STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bond project, was approved with an 84-38 vote in the House and a 27-8 vote in the Senate. It now awaits the signature of Governor Laura Kelly, who has expressed neutrality but views the bill as a positive opportunity for the state.
Governor Kelly emphasized the bipartisan nature of the initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen Kansas’ position in professional sports.
“I pledged to work with members of both parties on policies that are beneficial to Kansas. The bipartisan effort to invite the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas shows we’re all-in on keeping our beloved teams in the Kansas City metro,” Kelly stated.
She added that the inclusion of the Chiefs and Royals alongside Sporting KC could make Kansas a major hub for professional sports, boosting the local economy with new jobs, increased tourism, and heightened revenues from robust entertainment districts surrounding the stadiums.
The STAR bond project allows bonds to be issued for up to 70% of project costs, a significant increase from the current 50%. The bill mandates a minimum capital investment of $1 billion for stadiums with a capacity of 30,000, including associated practice and training facilities.
The repayment period for these bonds is extended to 30 years, compared to the standard 20 years for most state-issued bonds.
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Funding for the project will be sourced from sales tax on alcohol sales within the stadium district and state revenue from sports gambling and lottery gaming.
The STAR bond project can be initiated by the Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary or local government bodies, with final approval resting with the Legislative Coordinating Council.
The bill specifically targets out-of-state NFL and Major League Baseball teams and is limited to two projects within Kansas, though it can be implemented in areas already utilizing STAR bonds.
Both the Chiefs and Royals have shown interest in relocating to Kansas under this new legislation, marking a potentially transformative period for professional sports in the state.
If successful, this move could significantly enhance Kansas’ economic landscape and cement its reputation as a premier destination for major league sports.
