For a little more than six decades, the Chiefs have called Kansas City home. With this in mind, one could be forgiven for thinking that this is how it will always be. However, trouble may be brewing between the franchise and the city in which they play. Hard to believe, but true.
Could the Chiefs leave Kansas City?
While nothing is set in stone or even close to likely, what reports have indicated recently is that if an upcoming sales tax vote ends in a way the Chiefs don’t like, we could see the team looking new Horizons. speaking during a recent interview In Kansas City, the president of the Chiefs was asked, Mark Donovan what the team’s plan might be going forward if the sales tax fails, and surprisingly, Donovan didn’t shy away from the idea that the team might look to relocate:
“I think they would have to include leaving Kansas City,” Donovan said of possible options the team could explore should the vote fail.
Of course, the Chiefs executive was also quick to state that the organization would prefer to remain in the city in which it has operated for the past 61 years:
“Our goal is to stay here. And we are willing to accept a deal for the franchise to stay here,” Donovan said.
So what’s up with the Chiefs and this sales tax?
Context, as always, is key. If you didn’t know, the Chiefs announced recently plans to an $800 million renovation at Arrowhead Stadium. As you can imagine, such a venture would mean significant improvements in everything from parking and vehicle tracking, but also improvements in video and telecommunications, as well as luxury amenities for gamers and fans alike. In fact, part of the plan involves a 360-degree concourse that would allow fans to eventually navigate the entire stadium when seated on the upper deck. There has also been talk of a new club zone in the end zone.
Now, as far as finances go, it is understood that the Chiefs are planning to pony up $300 million. As for the remaining $500 million, the plan is to take it from a sales tax extension that will be voted on in Jackson County on April 2. To be clear, the sales tax has already been implemented and will be extended through 2031. If voters approve the extension, it will remain in effect until 2064. To that end, the Chiefs have indicated that, assuming the extension is approved, they will sign a lease 25-year-old at Arrowhead, which would also include a team option for three five-year extensions.
To be clear, the current lease expires in 2031, meaning without the vote passing, the Chiefs won’t be gone for another seven years.
Chiefs president Mark Donovan claims the team could explore leaving town if a sales tax to fund stadium renovations doesn’t pass April 2nd.
The Hunt family would like to contribute just $300 million to those $800 million renovations despite being worth an estimated $25 billion.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 14, 2024
As for the facts, Chiefs President and CEO Clark Hunt has already been blunt in his comments saying that the team will definitely NOT sign a new lease if the tax is not extended:
“We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium,” Hunt said in late February.
“So the funding puzzle is very important for us to make sure that we have enough funds to do everything that we have outlined.” Interestingly, this is not a problem that is limited to just the Chiefs.
MLB’s Kansas City Royals could also leave town
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The Kansas City Royals will almost certainly be keeping an eye on the vote as well, with departure from the city possible if the vote does not end favorably:
“I think we’re in serious danger of losing one or both teams,” Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca said recently. Ultimately, while there are many moving parts to this, it would be wise to keep an eye on the April 2 vote in Jackson County.
2024-03-18 23:42:41
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