Kansas City Chiefs threaten to move elsewhere unless local fanbase pays for a new stadium

The New England Patriots may have dominated the early 2000s and late 2010s, but now it’s the Kansas City Chiefs’ turn to become the latest NFL dynasty. So far, the Chiefs are off to a fantastic start, winning three of the past five Super Bowls thanks to the excellence of Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones.

But we also can’t forget about the incredible home-field advantage Kansas City has developed at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, where they’ve gone 55-19 since 2015. Arrowhead has become one of the toughest places to play, not just because of the oft-unforgiving weather, but also thanks the unrelenting passion from the local fanbase.

But now, according to Tyler Webb, the Chiefs are threatening to leave Kansas City unless fans pony up and pay for a new stadium.

Recently the team released new concepts for renovations they’d like to make to Arrowhead Stadium, which would reportedly cost an estimated $800 million. Yet, team owner Clark Hunt and the rest of the family have indicated that they’re only willing to pay $300 million of the costs needed to begin renovating. This, despite the Hunt family being worth roughly $25 billion, yes, billion with a B.

In turn, the Chiefs would like their fans to dig into their pockets for the remaining $500 million to upgrade the stadium. To do so, both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals are angling for an extension of a 3/8th cents sales tax increase in Jackson County. This vote is taking place on April 2.

What’s interesting is Jackson County residents have already passed this sales tax increase before, back in 2006. But with the bill set to expire in 2031, team officials are panicking, and want the increase extended another 40 years through 2071.

This would also help the Royals receive the $700 million necessary to build their new $2 billion stadium downtown.

If the bill doesn’t pass, Chiefs president Mark Donovan made it very clear what would have to happen next. When asked if the Chiefs would even go so far as to leave Kansas City, Missouri entirely, here’s what Donovan had to say:

“I think they would have to include leaving Kansas City, but our goal here is that we want to stay here. And we’re willing to accept a deal which is actually better for the county to stay here.”
Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan

And if it doesn't pass?

Well, Chiefs President, Mark Donovan, said this earlier this week:

7/8 pic.twitter.com/A4OzGsQZu1
— Tyler Webb (@tylermwebb) March 16, 2024