Missouri lawmaker declares war on the Chiefs with sweeping punishment bills over Kansas move

The Kansas City Chiefs’ decision to leave Arrowhead Stadium has triggered more than disappointment inside Missouri, as it has now sparked a legislative response. As the state prepares for a new session, a Missouri senator has introduced a series of bills that would financially impact professional teams that relocate out of state. While the Chiefs are not named directly, the proposals are clearly aligned with their planned move to Kansas once their lease expires in 2031. The effort reflects growing frustration among some lawmakers who believe Missouri taxpayers are being left behind after years of public investment in the team and its stadium.Sen. Nick Schroer, a Republican from Defiance, filed three separate bills designed to address what he views as a financial imbalance between teams and taxpayers. The first proposal would require any professional sports team playing in a publicly owned facility with a capacity of at least 60,000 to pay demolition costs. This applies when the stadium is left in a condition that is not “reasonably adaptable” for another use, which fits Arrowhead Stadium.The second bill would eliminate tax credits for professional teams that play in stadiums holding at least 75,000 fans, which fits the Chiefs. The third measure would impose new charges once a team announces plans to relocate to another state. Under that proposal, teams would be required to add a $50 fee to every ticket sold and an extra 5% charge on all in-stadium purchases.Schroer rejected claims that the bills are meant as punishment. Instead, he framed them as a way to protect public funds. He said, “If we’ve got an entity who’s benefiting from taxpayers, tax credits or whatever it may be, and they’re giving us the middle finger, I think we need to reevaluate doing business with them.”Schroer added, “If they’re leaving a stadium that we’ve had a lot of our tax dollars going toward fixing and promoting, then I think that we need to have a good faith discussion...on how we’re going to address (that) once they leave.” Schroer also emphasized his plans to introduce legislation removing the Chiefs’ designation as Missouri’s official NFL teamDespite the attention, the bills face long odds. House Speaker Jonathan Patterson expressed skepticism, noting lawmakers have broader priorities. As of now, the team declined to comment on the proposals.Also read: Chiefs quietly prepare for life after Travis Kelce as draft buzz grows around a new tight end option