Chiefs Request More Time on Kansas Stadium Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping their options open when it comes to the future of their home stadium. The team has asked Kansas lawmakers for more time to finalize a stadium financing deal, showing that a move from Missouri to Kansas is a real possibility.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan sent a letter on Thursday to Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson asking for an extension on a state incentive deadline. Donovan said the team has made “significant progress” on plans for a new stadium but needs more time to complete the process.

The Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council will meet on July 7 to decide whether to grant the extension.

Kansas Pushes for NFL Move

Masterson said Donovan’s letter shows real movement: “Now that we are in the red zone, this extension will provide stakeholders sufficient time to ensure the ball crosses the goal line.”

The Chiefs have played at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri for over 50 years. They share the Truman Sports Complex with the Kansas City Royals, whose stadium, Kauffman Stadium, sits right next door. But both teams’ leases with Jackson County expire in January 2031.

Now, the Chiefs are weighing their options — and Kansas is making a strong pitch.

Kansas Offers More Support Than Missouri

In April, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension that would’ve funded an $800 million renovation for Arrowhead and a $2 billion downtown stadium for the Royals. While Missouri leaders have tried to come up with a new deal, Kansas officials quickly approved bonds that could cover up to 70% of the cost of building new stadiums.

Many, including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, believed the Kansas offer was mainly a bargaining tool to push Missouri into a better deal. But recent developments suggest otherwise.

Chiefs, Royals Exploring Kansas Options

Earlier this year, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe called a special session to pass a financing package for stadiums. The deal includes state bonds for up to 50% of construction costs, plus up to $50 million in tax credits per stadium and additional help from local governments.

Even with that offer on the table, signs point to Kansas remaining in the mix. A Royals-affiliated group recently bought the mortgage on land in Overland Park, Kansas, sparking speculation about a possible stadium district there.

And now, with Donovan’s request for more time, the Chiefs have made it clear they’re also seriously considering a move.

New Stadium Could Bring Major Events

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has long praised Arrowhead Stadium, which was built by his father, team founder Lamar Hunt. But a new domed stadium would create more revenue opportunities — and allow Kansas City to host events like the Super Bowl or Final Four.

Donovan didn’t mention a specific location for the stadium in Kansas, but one possible site is near the intersection of Interstates 435 and 70 in Kansas City, Kansas. That area includes the Kansas Speedway, retail centers, hotels, the home fields for Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Monarchs, a casino, and plenty of space for a domed football stadium.

Economic Impact Could Be Huge

In his letter, Donovan called the project “the largest economic development initiative in the state’s history.” He added that bringing an NFL team to Kansas would lead to long-term growth, national attention, and billions in private development.

With both states now in a race to lock in the Chiefs — and possibly the Royals — the future of Kansas City sports is at a turning point.