UG, Chiefs, State Resolve Legal Issues And Reach Next Milestone in Stadium Project

Press Release from the Kansas Office of the Governor

Governor Laura Kelly and Mayor Christal E. Watson today jointly announced a cooperative agreement has been reached with the Unified Government (UG) of Wyandotte County/Kansas City and the State regarding the Chiefs move to Kansas. The agreement finalizes the boundaries of the state’s STAR Bond District, the local sales tax pledge area, and clears the way for the appointment of Mayor Watson to the KSFA board.

“Settling these outstanding items is a decisive step forward for all involved,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Every detail is critical when you’re working on a $4 billion deal – and our strong, committed partnerships paved the way for a shared path forward for all of us.”

In a unanimous vote on November 5, 2026, the Unified Government Commission approved a local pledge of sales tax revenue and a portion of its transient guest tax revenue collected in the local STAR Bond district, which is limited to the new stadium and immediate surrounding area.

The State agreed to remove the Quindaro Ruins area from the State’s larger STAR Bond District in order to allow potential future development at this historic location.

The Unified Government agreed to permanently dismiss the lawsuit it had previously filed against the state upon full execution of the cooperative agreement.

“This is a win for the people of Wyandotte County, the State of Kansas and the Chiefs” said Mayor Christal Watson. “We appreciate the collaboration by all parties and the willingness to reach compromises that ensure the stadium gets built on schedule while also addressing local community concerns. The stadium will provide meaningful benefits to our community through economic opportunities, increased tax revenue, and anticipated job creation.”

As a result of the UG amending its Pledge Ordinance, Mayor Watson will hold a voting seat on the KSFA board as well as the Community Impact Committee described in the Chiefs STAR Bond Agreement.

The agreement will not be fully executed until it is signed by the KSFA Chair. The 11-member Authority is expected to hold its first meeting within the next two weeks.