Kansas City Chiefs

The governor, state legislative leaders and owners of the NFL franchise announced in December the framework of a deal for developing a domed stadium surrounded by an entertainment district in Wyandotte County, in addition to the team’s headquarters, training facility and related developments in Johnson County.

The unparalleled public subsidies that accompany the deal have drawn criticism from economists, politicians and football fans from the jump.

Questions arise about making Olathe, KCK mayors nonvoting members of board

Public ownership of the new Chiefs stadium would shield bonds for the project from the federal income tax.

The Unified Government's STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.

Olathe council members voted unanimously to commit some sales and hotel guest taxes revenues as part of the Chiefs deal that will bring a new training facility and HQ to the city. Many residents at a public hearing spoke against the plan over a lack of transparency.

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.