The Kansas City Chiefs just won their second consecutive Super Bowl championship last month. But even with the team at the top of the NFL, it doesn’t sound like their future in their current city is certain.
The Chiefs are planning $800 million in upgrades to their Arrowhead Stadium and are seeking public money to help fund the project. An April 2 vote from Kansas City residents could extend a sales tax of ⅜ cents through 2064 to help fund those upgrades. And if that vote does not go their way, it sounds like the Chiefs would consider leaving the city.
“I just know for us, the Chiefs, we would just have to look at all our options,” Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan said during a recent radio appearance on KSHB 41 in Kansas City, according to Front Office Sports.
It does sound like the Chiefs would like to remain in Kansas City, but they aren’t ruling out the possibility of leaving.
“I think they would have to include leaving Kansas City,” Donovan responded in a follow-up question. “But our goal here is, we want to stay here. And we’re willing to accept a deal for the county to actually stay here.”
Obviously, this is pretty horrible news for the Chiefs, and the NFL world had a lot to say about it on social media.
Threatening to relocate a team over taxpayer money is absurd and the worst part of American sports https://t.co/iDf9C632Pi
— RevolutionCentral (@revolutioncntrl) March 15, 2024
Every single time. This is a big reason why Oakland fans are fighting so hard. We know Oakland is just the first and you all need to be prepared. https://t.co/mcBDW4Js4p
— Cara Marie Wagner (@carabeara13) March 14, 2024
I have watched the Chiefs my entire life. I remember attending many games.
I love being a fan of the team. But I will never support subsidizing a billionaire's portfolio with taxpayer dollars. If the options are 1) buy Clark Hunt a new stadium or 2) the Chiefs move, start packing https://t.co/LrhTMx5PhI— Aaron (@SportsEnjoyer) March 15, 2024
Oldest strategy in sports. The sports franchise threatens to leave if they don’t get public funding. So gross. https://t.co/dwGXHsK4Tc
— 👀 (@HellaADZ) March 15, 2024
The way these sports teams try to hold cities hostage. The owners are worth millions – sometimes billions – but are always looking for a handout to help *their* business. Taxpayers once again asked to foot the bill for the overtly wealthy. https://t.co/SCMbrl38Uy
— Brian Shea (@BrianPShea) March 14, 2024
American sports are completely broken. Stop using taxpayer money to subsidize billionaires https://t.co/qxgd4A035L
— Adam (@AtomSurge) March 14, 2024
We’ll have to see whether or not the Chiefs stay in Kansas City.
