public funding of sports facilities

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.

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.

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.

The Kansas City Council moved forward with a plan to build a modular jail with about 100 beds. Officials say the temporary facility is necessary, as plans to build a permanent municipal jail will take years.

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.

Even the poorest-drawing baseball teams can attract more than 1 million fans in a year, far more than any football stadium. As Kansas and Missouri continue their border war over Kansas City sports teams, should they be focused on courting the Royals over the Chiefs?

On Monday, lawmakers in Kansas opted to extend the deadline for state incentives, so that the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals have more time to negotiate building new stadiums across state lines.

The teams have already had one year to negotiate with Kansas officials. But supporters say the deals are complicated — and are frustrated by delays.

Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan asked Kansas officials to alter the deadline for a state incentive package "in light of substantial progress the Chiefs have made in discussions" about building a new stadium, headquarters, or other facilities across state lines.