The planned departure of the Kansas City Chiefs from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri has sparked a significant political reaction. A state senator has now introduced a series of legislative bills designed to financially impact professional sports teams that choose to relocate out of Missouri. This move comes as the Chiefs' lease at their current home is set to expire in 2031, with the team eyeing a move across the state line to Kansas.
Three Legislative Proposals Target Relocating Teams
Republican Senator Nick Schroer from Defiance has filed three distinct bills aimed at addressing what he perceives as an unfair financial burden on Missouri taxpayers. Lawmakers are increasingly frustrated, arguing that years of public investment in teams and their stadiums are being abandoned.
The first proposal would mandate that any professional sports team playing in a publicly owned facility with a capacity of at least 60,000 must cover demolition costs. This applies if the stadium is left in a state not "reasonably adaptable" for another use, a description that fits Arrowhead Stadium.
The second bill seeks to eliminate state tax credits for professional teams that play in stadiums holding 75,000 or more fans, which directly applies to the Chiefs. The third and perhaps most direct measure would impose new charges on a team once it announces plans to move to another state. This proposal would require teams to add a $50 fee to every ticket sold and an extra 5% charge on all in-stadium purchases.
Protecting Public Funds, Not Punishment
Senator Schroer has rejected the notion that his bills are punitive. Instead, he frames them as necessary safeguards for public money. "If we've got an entity who's benefiting from taxpayers, tax credits or whatever it may be, and they're giving us the middle finger, I think we need to reevaluate doing business with them," Schroer stated.
He further emphasised the need for accountability, saying, "If they're leaving a stadium that we've had a lot of our tax dollars going toward fixing and promoting, then I think that we need to have a good faith discussion...on how we're going to address (that) once they leave." Schroer also revealed plans to introduce separate legislation that would strip the Chiefs of their designation as Missouri's official NFL team.
Long Odds for the Bills and Broader Priorities
Despite the attention the proposals have garnered, they face a challenging path to becoming law. House Speaker Jonathan Patterson has expressed skepticism, noting that Missouri lawmakers have broader legislative priorities to focus on. The Kansas City Chiefs organisation has, so far, declined to comment on the newly introduced bills.
This legislative effort underscores the growing tension between sports franchises seeking new opportunities and the communities that have historically supported them with significant public funding. The outcome will be closely watched as the 2031 lease expiration for Arrowhead Stadium approaches.
