Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has called a special session of the Legislature for next month to get one of his top priorities addressed: legislation that will lead to hundreds of millions of tax dollars going to help renovate the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium and build a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals. ("Missouri governor to call special session for KC stadium funding package," May 16.)
The combined cost could be as much as $3 billion. It seems not to matter that in April 2024, voters in Kansas City rejected a proposal that would have helped fund the stadium plans with tax dollars. More than 58% were opposed.
There is no need for taxpayers to take part in funding the stadiums. The teams are already taking in huge amounts from broadcast rights.
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The National Football League's broadcast contract currently gives each team hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Of course, this includes the Chiefs. In 2032, the last year of the contract, each team will get $377 million. Future contracts could see teams getting $500 million or more every year as NFL television ratings are setting records.
The contract that Major League Baseball has for broadcast rights, along with local deals, gives each team $100 million or more every year. This includes the Royals.
If the Chiefs and Royals want funding for a new or renovated stadium, they can well afford to do so. Leave taxpayers alone.
Tom Sullivan
University City
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