BREAKING: The State of Kansas Expects to Finalize Deal with Kansas City Chiefs and Royals by June 30, Says House Speaker Dan Hawkins
In a stunning development that could reshape the sports landscape in the American Midwest, Kansas State House Speaker Dan Hawkins has revealed that the state of Kansas expects to have a deal finalized with both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals by June 30, 2025. The announcement marks a significant moment in the long-standing conversation surrounding the future of both franchises — two of the most iconic teams in professional sports — and opens the door to a potential shift that could redefine the geographical and financial makeup of the region’s professional sports scene.
“If Kansas builds it, we’ll come,” said Royals season ticket holder Tom Morales. “I want a state-of-the-art experience. Missouri had their chance.”
Still, there’s no shortage of concern about what the move could mean for tailgating traditions, local businesses in Missouri that rely on game-day foot traffic, and the cultural identity of Kansas City sports — long tied to its Missouri roots.
What Comes Next: June 30 Deadline Looms
As the June 30 deadline approaches, negotiations are expected to accelerate. Kansas lawmakers are reportedly preparing a special session to formalize the deal, and environmental assessments of potential sites are already underway.
Insiders say that the Chiefs could announce a preliminary agreement as early as mid-June, with the Royals potentially following suit shortly after. Both franchises would likely continue playing in their current stadiums through the 2026 or 2027 seasons while construction is completed.
Hawkins, for his part, remains confident.
“We’re in the red zone,” he said. “Now it’s time to punch it in.”
National Reactions: A Wake-Up Call for Other Cities?
Kansas’ aggressive play for both franchises is being closely watched by other mid-sized markets and sports franchises across the country. The situation underscores the shifting dynamics of stadium politics — where cities and states must now compete more than ever to attract and retain pro sports teams.
“If Kansas pulls this off, it will send shockwaves through the industry,” said sports economist Andrew Zimbalist. “It shows that states are willing to act swiftly and decisively — and that complacency can cost cities their teams.”
A Defining Moment in Midwest Sports History
The next 30 days may well define the future of professional sports in the Kansas City region. With Kansas emerging as a serious suitor and Missouri scrambling to catch up, the stakes could not be higher.
If the Chiefs and Royals do end up moving to Kansas, it would be more than a geographic relocation — it would be a seismic shift in the culture, economy, and identity of a region that has always been proudly rooted in its sports traditions.
Kansas is on the brink of making history. Whether Missouri can rally to stop it remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the clock is ticking.
— END —