Missouri Governor Plans to Be Aggressive to Keep Kansas City Chiefs From Moving

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - FEBRUARY 14: A general view as fans assemble in front of Union Station prior to the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on February 14, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Missouri governor plans to be aggressive to keep the Chiefs in-state.

The Kansas City Chiefs could find themselves moving states if a deal is not struck with the taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri. Back in early April, local taxpayers shut down a proposal that would have led to renovations for Arrowhead Stadium along with a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals.

Though it would not be the end of the matter, the state of Kansas decided to move into action to potentially lure both teams from Missouri. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly even signed legislation that would give both teams the proper funds to build new stadiums in the state. While it can often take months for legislation like this to be signed and pushed forward, the state understands what it would mean to bring over two billion dollar franchises in one shot.

Though the legislation being signed does not mean the Chiefs and Royals will move, the Missouri governor is also not taking these developments lightly. Governor Mike Parson spoke on this matter to the Associated Press, stating, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line. Look, I can't blame Kansas for trying. You know, if I was probably sitting there, I'd be doing the same thing. But at the end of the day, we're going to be competitive."

The key word in Parson's response is "competitive." It would be highly foolish for Missouri to roll over and just allow both teams to head out West. Even more so since the Chiefs are now back-to-back Super Bowl champions, and could be well on their way to being the first NFL team to secure a three-peat.

That's not to mention the billions of dollars that Missouri would also lose if both teams were to up and move to a new area. The taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri shooting down one proposal just means that a new proposal will have to be drawn up that is far more agreeable to local citizens.

There are also other options the state can explore as well. Third-party investors could be called on to foot the bill for the much-needed renovations, which could be a more plausible route to take should another tax proposal be shot down by taxpayers.

Either way, there is a slim chance that Missouri will fall victim to losing arguably the most popular NFL franchise that there is, along with the Royals — who won a World Series in 2015.

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