In a potential border war that could determine the future homes of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, Missouri and Kansas find themselves at odds in a tug-of-war for the NFL and MLB teams. The age-old rivalry between the two states has resurfaced, as the Kansas legislature gears up for a special session starting on Tuesday.

The hope is to issue bonds that would be paid off with funds generated from sports betting, the Kansas Lottery, and tax dollars surrounding the new venues. The initiative comes as a response to the failure of a ballot measure in Jackson County, Missouri earlier this year, which aimed to extend a sales tax to fund a new baseball stadium and a renovated football stadium.

Should Missouri and Kansas end up competing for the Chiefs and/or the Royals, it would break an "uneasy truce" established in 2019, when both states invested substantial amounts to attract businesses to their respective territories. This competition would ultimately work to the advantage of the teams themselves, ensuring they don't have to relocate to secure the financial support they require for new stadiums.

The Chiefs currently hold a lease at Arrowhead Stadium that runs until 2030; however, nothing would prevent them from striking a deal to move across the border in 2031. While concerns may arise regarding the use of taxpayer money for such endeavors, the teams are poised to reap the benefits of any agreements reached.

The outcome of this border war remains uncertain, with the only question being on which side of the border the Chiefs and the Royals will ultimately play their games. Both teams are eager to secure a lucrative deal that will secure their futures, leveraging the historic rivalry between Missouri and Kansas to their advantage.

As the special session commences, all eyes will be on the Kansas legislature as they weigh the options and make decisions that will shape the fate of these beloved sports teams. The outcome of this battle will not only determine where the Chiefs and Royals call home, but also reignite the longstanding rivalry between Missouri and Kansas, transcending beyond the realm of just sports.