Could Missouri really lose two of its biggest sports teams? That terrifying question sparked action at the highest level—and now the state is shelling out hundreds of millions to make sure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals don’t leave town. Governor Mike Parson has officially signed a game-changing stadium aid package, and it’s already making waves across the state. Here’s how this dramatic decision could shape the future of Missouri sports.
What Just Happened?
On Friday, June 14, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a major bill that offers huge financial support to help the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB) stay in the state by building or renovating their stadiums.
This deal comes after months of growing pressure and fear that both teams could relocate to other cities. Rumors swirled, fans panicked, and lawmakers rushed to act—now, Missouri has made a powerful move to keep its teams at home.
What’s Inside This Deal?
The new law opens the door for:
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$150 million in tax credits for each team, potentially $300 million total.
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Support spread out over 15 years, depending on job creation and development.
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Local governments (like Jackson County) can negotiate tax extensions or funding plans.
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Teams must show how their stadium plans will benefit the public and local economy.
This funding could go toward a new downtown stadium for the Royals or major renovations at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs. It’s a flexible plan—but one that demands results.
Why It Matters So Much
Missouri’s sports teams aren’t just for entertainment. They:
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Bring huge revenue through ticket sales, tourism, and events.
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Create thousands of jobs, directly and indirectly.
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Boost local businesses, from hotels to restaurants.
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Provide a strong sense of pride and identity for Kansas City and the state.
Losing either team would cause serious economic and emotional damage—something the state clearly wants to avoid at all costs.
What Are the Concerns?
While many fans are celebrating, not everyone is happy. Critics are asking tough questions:
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Should public money really go to billionaire team owners?
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Could the funds be better spent on schools, healthcare, or infrastructure?
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Will these teams actually stay long-term, or is this just a temporary fix?
These concerns are valid. But supporters argue that investing now prevents bigger losses later if the teams were to move out of Missouri entirely.
What’s Next?
Now that the bill is signed, the ball is rolling:
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The Royals are expected to move forward with their new downtown stadium plans.
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The Chiefs are reviewing whether to build new or upgrade Arrowhead.
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Local votes and community discussions are coming up, especially in Jackson County, where voters previously rejected a similar stadium proposal.
We’re likely to see more updates over the next few months as both teams negotiate and finalize their next moves.
