In an unexpected twist, the long-standing rivalry between Kansas and Missouri is once again heating up. This time, however, it’s over the coveted home of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Despite economists’ consensus that subsidizing pro sports doesn’t offer significant economic returns, Kansas lawmakers are attempting to entice the Chiefs and the professional baseball team, the Kansas City Royals, to move their stadiums to the Sunflower State.
The top leaders of the Kansas Legislature are backing a proposal to help finance new stadiums for both teams. The plan involves issuing state bonds for stadium construction, to be paid off with revenues from sports betting, the Kansas Lottery, and additional tax dollars generated in and around the new venues. If successful, the teams would only move about 25 miles west into Kansas.
Even though studies have shown that a professional sports franchise doesn’t significantly boost a local economy, Kansas officials are eager to pull spending away from Missouri. This maneuver seems to have its roots in the states’ deep-seated rivalry.
“I’ve wanted to see the Chiefs in Kansas my whole life, but I hope we can do it in a way that is enriching for these communities, rather than creating additional burdens for them,” said state Rep. Jason Probst, a Democrat from central Kansas.
The Historic Rivalry
The competition between Kansas and Missouri traces back to the days preceding the Civil War. Missouri, a slave state, strove to create another slave state in Kansas, leading to violent skirmishes over the border. This rivalry has spilled over into the world of sports, notably between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. In more recent years, the two states have battled to attract businesses, using hundreds of millions of dollars in the process. A truce was called only as recently as 2019.
Missouri’s Countermove
Unsurprisingly, Missouri officials are prepared to aggressively counter Kansas’ efforts to snatch their beloved teams. “They’re sources of great pride,” said Missouri state Rep. John Patterson, a suburban Kansas City Republican expected to be the next state House speaker.
The teams are seen as up for grabs because Missouri voters recently rejected an extension to a local sales tax intended for stadium upkeep. While the stadium complex lease runs through January 2031, Kansas officials argue that decisions must be made soon for new or renovated stadiums to be ready by then. Promising a dome or retractable roof that can host Super Bowls and other major events, Kansas is attempting to sweeten the deal for the Chiefs.
The Current State of Affairs
Despite the legislative push in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers aren’t rushing to propose alternatives. Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson told reporters that his state is “not just going to roll over,” but also said, “We’re just in the first quarter” of the contest.
In the meantime, more than 30 lobbyists have registered to push for a stadium-financing plan from Kansas lawmakers, with the CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce labeling this as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to attract the Chiefs.
While the economic benefits of hosting a professional sports team are debatable, there’s no denying the cultural and social value these teams bring to the local community. As the tug-of-war between Kansas and Missouri continues, it remains to be seen where the Chiefs and the Royals will eventually lay their roots.
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