Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has called a meeting of the state’s Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) for July 7th to consider extending the STAR Bond deadline after receiving a request from Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan.
The stunning twist comes less than a week before the legislation aimed at luring the Chiefs and/or the Kansas City Royals across state lines was set to expire.
Donovan’s letter to Masterson reads in part:
“Your vision opened the door to a transformational opportunity—not only for the State of Kansas but for our organization as well. Together, we have the opportunity to bring the National Football League (NFL) to Kansas, anchored by a world-class domed stadium, new team headquarters, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a vibrant mixed-use and entertainment district.
“We are excited about the potential for this project, which would represent the largest economic development initiative in the State’s history. Just as important, the presence of an NFL franchise in the State will serve as a powerful engine for immediate and long term-growth—driving national attention, sustained tourism, and billions more in private development across the State.
“We respectfully request that the LCC exercise its authority to grant an extension so that discussions and due diligence can continue on a timeline that reflects the scale and significance of the opportunity.
“We remain fully committed to this opportunity and have invested substantial time and resources into moving the project further. We have engaged in multiple rounds of detailed proposals and revisions with the administration. We have had no response to our last proposal from the administration for six weeks, though we recognize the many demands of State leadership and remain optimistic about where advanced discussion could lead. Extending the (Commerce) Secretary’s authority will allow that process to continue productively and will preserve Kansas’s ability to secure the most significant economic development initiative in its history.
“We are grateful for your continued leadership and support. We believe this project could mark the start of a defining new chapter for both Kansas and the Chiefs, and we look forward to continuing to explore that potential together.”
Masterson’s “Dear Mark” response recommended extending the deadline:
“I appreciate your consistent work with the administration and the substantial progress made on this project up to this point in time. I also appreciate your input regarding how we can best move forward. In light of this information, it is my intention to recommend extending the deadline. Thus, I have scheduled a meeting of the LCC for July 7th to discuss the matter. Although the law enacted allows for an extension for a full year, it is my belief that the LCC will likely prefer to have this matter resolved by the end of 2025.
“In addition, if responses from the administration continue to not be sufficient or timely, the LCC may choose to engage more deeply in the process. The LCC ultimately approves any agreement, and so it is important that the ball continues to move down the field. As you rightly pointed out, this is a historic opportunity to bring the NFL to Kansas along with vibrant economic development, and it is vital to continue communication as we head towards the goal line.
“Thank you again for your leadership and continued efforts on this significant and historic opportunity.”
Earlier this month, the Missouri Senate and House approved Senate Bill 3 to keep the teams in the state. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed the legislation within days. The new law commits the state to back bonds up to 50% of the cost of new facilities.
Under the Kansas Plan, the state will issue STAR Bonds covering up to 70% of the cost of one or both stadiums, and investors will be repaid using sales tax revenue increases in a yet-to-be-defined STAR Bond District.
Masterson employed football metaphors in his public statement announcing the July 7th meeting:
“The letter from Mark Donovan indicates that the drive to bring this historic project to Kansas is moving down the field. Now that we are in the red zone, this extension will provide stakeholders sufficient time to ensure the ball crosses the goal line.”
Reporter’s Note: The LCC met on July 7th and approved an extension of the STAR Bond deadline to December 31st, 2025.