KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As the future of Kansas City’s professional sports teams becomes a focal point in Topeka, Jackson County officials, led by County Executive Phil LeVota, are stepping up efforts to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri. This week, LeVota communicated with Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, as well as President Mark Donovan, outlining a series of financial incentives that local leaders believe make a compelling case for the team to remain in its current home.
A key point of contention in the ongoing discussions is the prospect of a domed Arrowhead Stadium. LeVota’s letters indicate that Jackson County is open to pursuing a dome at Arrowhead if the Chiefs express interest. Historically, the team has been staunch against the idea, reportedly valuing home-field advantage due to Kansas City’s unpredictable weather.
In his correspondence, LeVota suggested that operating a domed stadium at the current Truman Sports Complex would be more cost-effective compared to a similar venue built in Kansas. He referenced a federal incentive strategy that, according to him, unveils over $250 million in quantifiable value, a benefit that Kansas cannot duplicate. He emphasized the ongoing costs of maintaining a domed facility, drawing comparisons to the annual expenses of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
LeVota’s proposal also detailed a unique “Thermal Energy Network” (TEN) that could significantly alleviate the rising energy costs associated with running a dome. This system would provide energy-efficient heating and cooling through underground infrastructure, making it more financially viable than potential projects in Kansas.
The letters stipulated that Missouri offers several tax incentives that are not accessible in Kansas, including the designation of surrounding areas as “Opportunity Zones.” This federal program could incentivize investment, enabling the Chiefs to potentially appreciate their capital gains significantly over 15-20 years, while enjoying substantial tax benefits.
LeVota outlined additional tax credits related to “New Markets Tax Credit Benefits” for low-income zones around the Truman Sports Complex, claiming that a hypothetical $500 million investment in entertainment or hospitality near the stadium could unlock $100 million more in federal subsidies. Moreover, he emphasized that Jackson County’s status as the owner of the Truman Sports Complex qualifies it for a 50 percent tax credit on investments made into a TEN, a distinct advantage over any potential Kansas-based stadium projects.
In total, LeVota estimated that these combined tax benefits could yield upwards of $424-524 million for the Chiefs should they remain in Missouri, as opposed to zero benefits in Kansas.
The timing of these discussions couldn’t be more critical, given that the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council is expected to vote on stadium proposals soon, with Chiefs owner Clark Hunt in attendance. Following that, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is scheduled to make a significant announcement regarding the future of the Chiefs.
These developments highlight the competitive nature of efforts to retain the Chiefs, underlining the complex interplay of local government initiatives and sports franchise economics. Local leaders remain hopeful that with the right incentives and commitments, Kansas City will continue to be the home of the Chiefs for years to come.