In a revived 170-year-old rivalry, Kansas lawmakers are making moves to lure the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs away from Missouri, despite economists cautioning against subsidizing professional sports. The top leaders of the Kansas Legislature have thrown their support behind financing new stadiums for the Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, with the aim of using state bonds, sports betting revenues, the Kansas Lottery, and new tax dollars to cover the costs.

The proximity of the two states is evident as the metropolitan area, inhabited by approximately 2.3 million people, straddles the Kansas-Missouri border, with the proposed move being only 25 miles (40 kilometers) west. While research over the years has shown that a professional sports franchise does not significantly boost the local economy, Kansas officials are determined to redirect spending from Missouri to their own state, fueled by a deep-rooted rivalry between the two.

Representative Jason Probst, a Democrat from central Kansas, expressed his desire to have the Chiefs in Kansas but emphasized the importance of ensuring that the move is beneficial for the communities involved rather than adding additional burdens. The historic rivalry between Kansas and Missouri can be traced back to the pre-Civil War era when conflicts arose over the desire to establish another slave state.

The battle between the two states has also extended into the realm of sports, with a century-long rivalry between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. Moreover, both sides have spent vast amounts of money in attempts to attract businesses to their respective territories. However, a fragile truce was declared in 2019.

Missouri officials are vowing to put up a fight to keep both the Royals and the Chiefs, viewing them as sources of immense pride and economic assets. However, the Kansas legislators see an opportunity due to the failure of Missouri voters to extend a local sales tax for stadium upkeep. Although economists remain skeptical of the real threat of either team leaving the Kansas City area, Kansas officials argue that decisions regarding new or renovated stadiums need to be made soon to ensure readiness by January 2031 when the lease for the current stadium complex expires.

Kansas is promising the Chiefs a stadium equipped with a dome or retractable roof, capable of hosting not only Super Bowls but also college basketball Final Fours and large-scale indoor concerts. Proponents of the move argue that the economic benefits would extend beyond the teams themselves, attracting businesses and promoting daily commerce in the area.

Despite the legislative push in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers are not rushing to propose alternatives, with Republican Governor Mike Parson asserting that his state will not simply concede. The primary elections scheduled for August 3rd hold significance as most legislative seats are up for grabs this year. The April vote in Missouri revealed that subsidizing professional sports teams may not resonate well with the conservative-leaning electorate in GOP primaries.

Kansas Republicans are also facing pressure to avoid picking economic winners and losers. On the other hand, Democrats like Representative Probst are concerned about using taxpayer money to enrich wealthy team owners. Numerous studies conducted by economists have consistently concluded that subsidizing stadiums is an ineffective channel for economic growth.

Despite the skepticism, over 30 lobbyists have registered to advocate for a stadium-financing plan from Kansas lawmakers. The CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce has described this as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" to attract the Chiefs, citing their recent Super Bowl victories and the team's expanding fan base, partly due to tight end Travis Kelce's relationship with pop star Taylor Swift.

The allure of hosting an NFL franchise lies in the billion-dollar valuations of the teams, as well as the influence wielded by wealthy team owners and celebrity players. Judith Grant Long, an associate professor at the University of Michigan with expertise in sports management and urban planning, explains that these factors make the NFL an attractive prospect for politicians, civic officials, and local businesses seeking to capitalize on its influence.

As the rivalry reignites and the battle for the Chiefs ensues, the outcome remains uncertain. The lawmakers' endeavor to bring the reigning Super Bowl champions to Kansas will undoubtedly be met with opposition, as the debate over subsidizing professional sports continues to divide opinion.