Kansas House passes controversial bill to lure pro sports teams
The House approved a plan to create a state authority to help finance new stadiums, a measure aimed at attracting teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Royals, but one that drew significant opposition.
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas House on Tuesday narrowly passed a bill aimed at luring professional sports franchises to the state, a contentious move that could put Kansas taxpayers on the hook for financing new stadiums. The measure, HB 2793, would create a new state-level authority to oversee the construction and financing of major sports venues.
The bill passed on a 79-41 vote after an intense floor debate, with a coalition of Republicans and Democrats arguing it represents a once-in-a-generation economic development opportunity. Proponents hope the financing mechanism could be used to entice the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals to move across the state line from Missouri.
However, the proposal faced stiff resistance from a bipartisan group of lawmakers who raised concerns about the fiscal prudence of subsidizing professional sports teams owned by billionaires. Opponents argued the state has more pressing needs for its funds and that the economic benefits of such projects are often overstated. The bill now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.
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