Missouri governor pushes for special session to save Chiefs and Royals

Missouri's governor Mike Kehoe announced on Friday plans to summon the state Legislature for a special session. This decision was prompted by the failure of lawmakers to pass a stadium financing proposal in their regular session. Without such a plan, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals may be at risk of relocating to Kansas, a concern heightened by a recent Kansas law that supports state funding for new stadiums. This legislation allows for state bonds to cover up to 70% of the construction costs, utilizing revenues from sports betting and various taxes to repay the bonds over a thirty-year period. As a response to this looming threat, Governor Kehoe expressed the urgency of solidifying an offer to retain the teams. He highlighted the economic implications of losing the Chiefs and Royals, who have a rich history of over 50 years in Kansas City. The proposal aims to assist with either renovating existing stadiums or constructing new venues for the teams. Voters in Jackson County, where the teams are based, previously rejected a tax extension intended to help finance a significant ballpark district and renovations. With leases extending until 2031, the governors' initiative reflects a push to engage local lawmakers in crafting a comprehensive development package that includes potential tax credits and bond issuance for the proposed stadium projects. The proposed legislation saw initial backing from the Missouri House but was stalled when the Republican-controlled Senate halted regular session proceedings amidst contentious political debates unrelated to the stadium proposal. Kehoe views this initiative as critical for retaining both professional teams, which play a significant role in uniting fans and fostering regional pride. His administration emphasizes the need for legislative approval to formalize any financial incentives offered to team owners. This urgency is framed against the backdrop of competitive pressures from nearby Kansas, which has been taking steps to attract teams through more lucrative deals.