After Ditching Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs, Jackson County Voters May Receive Another Opportunity to Make Super Bowl Champs Stay in Missouri

The border rivalry hasn’t ended yet! And, the future of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals sports team became uncertain in April after Jackson County, Missouri residents voted against a sales tax proposal. The tax was intended to finance a new downtown ballpark and significant renovations for Arrowhead Stadium.

Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan had anticipated the measure’s failure even before the votes were counted. Ultimately, over 58% of voters rejected the plan. Now, a new update has come regarding the rivalry between Kansas City and Missouri over the sports teams.

According to KCTV5, Jackson County officials are planning to discuss adding a tax question to November ballots, specifically to fund improvement for the Chiefs but not the Royals. This proposal differs from a previous initiative that wasn’t voted on in April; now, they are considering a smaller tax increase of 3/16ths percent instead of 3/8ths percent. The legislature will convene on Monday to deliberate on this matter.

Meanwhile, a Kansas political action committee called Scoop and Score has launched a text message campaign urging support for Kansas to attract the Chiefs with economic incentives, linking to a petition aimed at bringing the team to the Kansas side of the border. So, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to do as intended or not. As it’s likely that they will be receiving another opportunity to make Patrick Mahomes’ team stay in Missouri.

The proposal, which was rejected, aimed to replace an existing three-eight cent sales tax that has been funding maintenance at Truman Sports Complex, home to Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadium for over 50 years, with a similar tax lasting for the next 40 years.

What do the Chiefs have to say for their fans and organization?

No statement has been released yet from the Chiefs after the new update. However, in an interview earlier, Mark Donovan stated that the team would act in the best interests of their fans and organization going forward. This could involve several options: revising their proposal to better suit voters, seeking more private funding, or considering efforts from other cities and states, like Kansas, which might offer the public funding they seek.

Donovan emphasized their respect for the democratic process and their desire to continue their long-standing partnership with Jackson County. Currently, the lease at Truman Sports Complex runs until January 31, 2031.

While the Royals plan to leave Kauffman Stadium after the 2030 season, the Chiefs are hopeful they can remain at Arrowhead Stadium.