Kansas City Chiefs

Four economists say the state relied on exaggerated numbers to make the Kansas City Chiefs deal, the largest public subsidy of a stadium in American history, look better. State officials say football teams bring in real value as millions flock to the stadium projects.

The sheer size, scope and total projected dollar amount of the Chiefs' stadium project — which includes a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a new headquarters in Johnson County — dwarfs existing incentive districts in Overland Park and Olathe.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is asking for civility and compromise in the face of national political divides. She starts her final session in office with a Republican supermajority that can override her if it holds together.

Stadium deals in Kansas and Washington — both involving relocations within the same metropolitan area — have set separate records for taxpayer subsidies to sports teams. That's despite decades of research suggesting stadiums are a wasteful use of limited tax dollars.

The state of Kansas will likely pay between $3-4 billion in taxpayer money to move the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines. While the new stadium will definitely generate new economic activity, the project's success may depend on local cities participating in the STAR bond district.

Mayor Christal Watson said no decisions have been made on whether Wyandotte County will help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs. Some Kansas City, Kansas, residents worry local governments haven't been good stewards of their money.

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering land near the Kansas Speedway to build a new stadium and entertainment district, with the state still offering to finance up to 70% of the project. They've put out a request for proposals from firms to design it.

Kansas has been trying to sway the region's NFL and MLB teams to cross the border. Lawmakers in both Kansas and Missouri have lobbed tax incentives and construction fund packages at the teams.

Pictures posted by the couple appear to have been taken at the NFL star's Leawood estate, which he bought in 2023. Travis Kelce's father said the proposal happened about two weeks ago at Kelce's home, but he seems to have made a mistake about its location.

Verifiable numbers are hard to come by in the bidding war for the Royals and Chiefs. Last year, the two teams generated nearly $70 million in city, county and state taxes, but it would take decades to generate enough revenue to make up the price tag of new stadiums.