Governor Mike Kehoe has called for a special legislative session beginning June 2, aiming to tackle unresolved priorities left on the table after the close of the regular session. Central to the agenda are state support for new stadiums to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, emergency relief for storm-damaged areas in the St. Louis region, and critical budget allocations.
Kehoe announced the special session will revisit several high-profile issues, including the stalled "Show Me Sports Investment Act." The proposed legislation introduces a new bonding mechanism designed to help professional sports teams access state-backed funding for stadium construction, provided they meet specific qualifications. Although the bill cleared the Missouri House, it failed to advance in the Senate before the session ended.
Kehoe emphasized that the effort is more than a sports deal—it’s an economic strategy. “This isn’t just about football or baseball,” Kehoe said. “It’s about securing economic opportunity and long-term investment for communities across Missouri.”
Negotiations over the proposal reportedly gained traction late in the legislative calendar, which contributed to its delay. “We didn’t really reach the right balance until late April or early May,” Kehoe noted.
Time is running out for Missouri to present a compelling stadium funding package to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have said they’ll decide by June 30 whether to remain in the state or accept a lucrative offer from Kansas. Kansas has pledged to cover up to 70% of construction costs for new stadiums for both the Chiefs and Royals if they agree to relocate.
Governor Kehoe acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that both franchises are actively weighing their options.
“I’ve spoken with the owners and leadership of both teams on multiple occasions,” Kehoe said. “They have serious offers in front of them, and without a competitive proposal from Missouri, I do think there’s a real possibility they could leave. I can’t speak for them, but the risk is very real.”
Under Missouri’s current proposal, the state would finance up to 50% of the cost for new stadiums through bonds, with repayment terms extending up to 30 years. The bond amounts would be tied to the annual revenue each team generates, ensuring the investment is proportional to their economic impact.
“We’re proud of what was accomplished during the regular session,” Kehoe said in a statement, “but we have more to do. This is a rare opportunity to help Missourians in crisis, stimulate economic growth, and make meaningful investments in our state’s future. We must not let it go to waste.”
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
