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After Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension, Kansas lawmakers began work that ultimately led to the Kansas City Chiefs deciding to leave Missouri for Kansas.
In July 2023, three potential paths were presented for the Kansas City Chiefs' future after their lease at the Truman Sports Complex expires in 2030: renovating Arrowhead Stadium, building a new stadium within the complex, or constructing a new stadium elsewhere. Chiefs President Mark Donovan stated a preference for renovating Arrowhead, with ideas like a retractable roof considered but eventually discarded.
January 2024 saw both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royals announce their commitment to stay in Jackson County, Missouri, provided voters approved a three-eighths cent sales tax extension in April. This tax would fund an Arrowhead Stadium renovation and a new downtown ballpark for the Royals. However, Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. vetoed the sales tax extension on January 18, though his veto was overridden by the county legislature, pushing 'Question 1' to an April vote. The Chiefs subsequently unveiled an $800 million renovation plan for Arrowhead, including upper concourse and outdoor amenity upgrades.
By March 2024, both the Chiefs and Royals signed new leases at the Truman Sports Complex, contingent on the April vote. The Royals' lease was set for 40 years, and the Chiefs' for 25 years.
In April 2024, Jackson County voters decisively rejected Question 1 with a 58-42 percent vote. Mark Donovan acknowledged the democratic process but expressed confidence in the Chiefs' proposal as the best offer for Jackson County, reiterating the team's desire to continue their longstanding partnership. Simultaneously, Kansas lawmakers began proactive efforts, proposing STAR Bond upgrades to attract both teams across the state line.
June 2024 marked a significant legislative development in Kansas, as the Kansas Legislature and Governor Laura Kelly approved a measure that would allow the use of STAR Bonds to finance up to 70% of new stadium construction projects within the state, creating a strong incentive for the Chiefs to consider a move.
In July 2024, Missouri Governor Mike Parson held meetings in Kansas City to persuade the Chiefs and Royals to remain in Missouri. Chiefs President Mark Donovan indicated that the team aimed to have a clear plan framework established within six months, suggesting a critical decision point was approaching.
August 2024 brought a strong statement from Mark Donovan to FOX4, emphasizing the difficulty of securing a stadium deal in Missouri without robust support from both the state and the Jackson County government. He stressed that any future public vote would require explicit backing from the state, the county executive, and ideally the entire legislature. This report came amidst questions regarding the transparency of then-Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. by his fellow legislators.
May 2025 saw Missouri Gov. Kehoe introduce the 'Show-Me Sports Investment Act', an initiative to offer approximately $1.5 billion for renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. However, the act initially failed to pass, prompting Governor Kehoe to call a special legislative session to reconsider it.
Following the special session, the 'Show-Me Sports Investment Act' successfully passed in June 2025, and Governor Kehoe officially signed it into law, providing a financial incentive for the Chiefs to potentially remain in Missouri.
In July 2025, the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) extended the deadline for the upgraded STAR Bonds to June 2026, mandating that the teams and the state must finalize a stadium plan by the end of the year to utilize these bonds. Concurrently, a unanimous vote passed to hold a special election in September to recall Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr.
September 2025 witnessed a pivotal moment in the stadium dispute, as Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. was recalled from office by an overwhelming 85-15% margin in a special election, reflecting public sentiment on the ongoing issues.
In October 2025, Phil LeVota was sworn in as the new Jackson County Executive, taking over the leadership role amidst the ongoing stadium negotiations.
December 2025 brought the final decision. FOX4 learned that the Kansas LCC was scheduled to meet on December 22 with the Chiefs' stadium project on their agenda. On December 21, LeVota made a last-ditch effort, sending letters to Clark Hunt and Mark Donovan, proposing a new sales tax pitch and highlighting Missouri's potential tax breaks to convince the Chiefs to stay. However, these efforts proved too late, as Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly made a 'special announcement' on December 22 at the Kansas State Capitol, confirming the Chiefs' decision to move to Kansas. FOX4 pledged to continue covering developments for the new Chiefs stadium in Wyandotte County and the Royals' future home.