Kansas House Approves Bill to Create Sports Authority for Potential Chiefs Stadium

TOPEKA, Ks. – The Kansas House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday, March 18, 2026, to establish a Kansas Sports Authority, paving the way for a potential recent stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs and a team headquarters in Olathe, Kansas. The bill now heads to the Kansas Senate for review.

Authority’s Purpose and Scope

The Kansas Sports Facilities Authority would be responsible for the planning, financing, and long-term management of a professional sports stadium and surrounding areas. The legislation is specifically designed for a National Football League team, aligning with the state’s strategy of using STAR Bonds to attract the Chiefs to Kansas. According to Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stilwell, 26 of 30 NFL stadiums are publicly owned [KCTV5].

Key Features of the Bill

• Board Composition: The authority’s governing board will consist of 11 voting members, including appointees from the governor, House speaker, House majority and minority leaders, Senate president, Senate majority and minority leaders, and a representative from the team [KCTV5].
• Mayoral Representation: If the stadium is built in Kansas City, Kansas, the mayors of both Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas, would receive a direct vote on the board [KCTV5].
• Ex Officio Members: The mayors of the host cities will serve as ex officio members if they choose to participate [KCTV5].

Chiefs’ Move to Kansas

The Kansas City Chiefs announced in December 2025 their intention to relocate to Kansas by the 2031 season. The team plans to construct a new domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, and a new team headquarters and practice facility in Olathe [KCTV5].

Local Impact and Support

Lawmakers believe the authority could lead to significant investments, particularly in Wyandotte County. Supporters of the bill emphasize that it doesn’t introduce new tax breaks but provides oversight for a deal already in progress [KCTV5]. Wyandotte County Mayor Christal Watson and Olathe Mayor John Bacon were granted positions on the board following amendments to the bill [Spectrum News].

Next Steps

With the approval from the Kansas House, the bill will now be considered by the Kansas Senate. The timeline for Senate review and potential passage remains to be seen.