Chiefs may ponder leaving Kansas City if upcoming sales tax vote fails to go their way

This may come as a shock to football fans, but the possibility of the Kansas City Chiefs no longer residing in the city of Kansas in the near future may have some legitimacy. It all comes down to whether the upcoming sales tax vote is favorable or not for the team.

The Kansas City Chiefs players have suited up in red jerseys and played at Arrowhead for more than 60 years. It would be unthinkable to even picture any other city or state hosting Patrick Mahomes and Co. somewhere down the line.

However, Chiefs President Mark Donovan claimed that they would always look at all possibilities when running a successful organization. And one of those paths includes the relocation of the franchise.

I think they would have to include leaving Kansas City.

Donovan told KSHB 41‘s Kevin Holmes in a recent interview

Donovan also made it clear that they would prefer to stay in Kansas City. It’s hard to just up and leave all the fans who have supported the team for so long. 

Our goal here is that we want to stay here.

Donovan added

Why would the Kansas City Chiefs relocate from Kansas?

The Chiefs recently unveiled plans to renovate the Arrowhead stadium, which would cost them around $800 million. They plan to improve the parking and tailgate areas and make them more accessible for fans, so there is no rush before and after a Chiefs game. On top of that, they have added a 360-degree concourse to their list. It would help the fans navigate through the stadium. Moreover, they have also thought of installing several new club sections.

In the proposed plan of action, the Chiefs themselves will contribute $300 million from their pockets. The remaining $500 million would come from an extension of a three-eighth of a cent sales tax. However, they will have to wait until April 2, when Jackson County votes in favor of it.

The current sales tax is valid until 2031. After the approval, it would be extended to 2064. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has said they would sign a 25-year extension to continue playing at Arrowhead. But the approval needs to come first.

We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium.

Clark said in February, as per CBS Sports.

Besides the Chiefs, Kansas City also hosts the Kansas City Royals baseball team. The Royals also have a lease that will end in 2030. Some of the politicians in the area believe both the Chiefs and the Royals may leave if the sales tax isn’t paid.

The Chiefs have won two back-to-back Super Bowls. Their first goal is registering a three-peat, but the players would love to keep playing in Kansas City. 

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• Actor Mark Wahlberg accuses wife of betrayal for ditching the Patriots to become a Chiefs fan

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