Kansas House Introduces Sports Authority Bill to Oversee Chiefs' New Stadium
A newly introduced bill would create a state authority to finance and manage professional sports facilities
TOPEKA, Kan. — A bid to bring a professional sports team across the state line advanced with the introduction of a new bill in the Kansas House. The measure, HB 2793, would enact the Kansas sports authority act, creating a new state body to oversee the construction, financing and management of major sports venues and related infrastructure.
The introduction of the bill comes as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to relocate to Kansas, a move that has intensified the economic rivalry between the two states. The creation of a dedicated Kansas authority to build and manage stadiums would provide the state a mechanism to finance and oversee a new facility for the franchise.
Missouri lawmakers have been engaged in their own discussions about future stadium plans for the Chiefs and Royals. The potential loss of one or both franchises has raised the stakes for Missouri officials, who face pressure to present a competitive retention package.
The bill was introduced and read by title during a brief session, and its next step will be a referral to a committee for hearings. The proposal is likely to face debate over the use of public funds and tax incentives for private sports franchises, a contentious issue in statehouses nationwide.
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