Tag: funding

Chiefs crossing border to Kansas for new stadium

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After more than five decades at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., the Chiefs are expected to cross the border to play at a proposed new stadium in Kansas.

Legislation was approved by lawmakers in Kansas on Monday that paves the way for a stadium construction project and joint proposal with the Chiefs to leave their home since 1963 in Missouri and head 20 minutes west to Kansas City, Kan., near the site of Kansas Speedway.

The Kansas City Royals could follow in the footsteps of the Chiefs’ franchise and leave what is essentially a joint compound in Missouri surrounded by a vast parking space. A move was thought to be the most likely resolution for both pro sports franchises because voters in Jackson County decided against retaining a sales tax of 3/8 cents to pay for renovations at the Chiefs’ longtime home, Arrowhead Stadium. The same measure in April 2024 would have partially funded a new ballpark for the Royals.

Part of the new plan for the Chiefs in Kansas abandons the open-air, outdoor setting recognized as one of the strongest home-field advantages in the NFL because of the noise level achieved by the crowds in the 76,000-seat stadium.

At the new construction site the plan calls for the Chiefs to utilize a state-of-the-art stadium that can be used year-round and draw major sporting events, such as the Final Four and college football conference championship games.

According to reports, the Chiefs are expected to confirm their move to Kansas as soon as Monday afternoon.

Kansas governor Laura Kelly listed Chiefs owner Clark Hunt on the meeting schedule touting a “special announcement” on Monday.

Several TV and radio stations in Kansas City, Mo., reported Phil LeVota, elected County Executive of Jackson County, sent letters to Hunt and team president Mark Donovan hoping to persuade a last-minute change of heart to keep the franchise in Missouri.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez celebrates with West Virginia University athletic director Wren Baker after defeating the Pittsburgh Panthers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

WVU board of governors vow more athletics funding

Posted on | by Field Level Media

West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a resolution on Monday to increase funding for the Mountaineers athletic department.

The intention is to develop “a financial plan that positions the University in the top funding tier among Big 12 institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the University’s paramount core academic mission,” according to press release.

Board of Governors chair Robert “Rusty” Hutson Jr. said in a statement, “A strong and visible Athletics program is essential to advancing student enrollment, enriching the student experience, strengthening alumni and donor engagement, supporting recruitment of talented faculty and staff and providing a source of pride and connection for Mountaineer fans in West Virginia and around the world.”

Athletic director Wren Baker added in a statement, “WVU Athletics is at a pivotal moment as we enter a new era of college sports, and with the steadfast support of our Board of Governors through this resolution, we will be positioned to meet that moment from a place of strength.”

On Friday, Governor Patrick Morrisey met with the Board of Governors to discuss having his administration work partner with the school.

“I think it’s always important to align interests,” the governor said, according to WBOY.com. “When you’re talking about the state of West Virginia and its goals, you want the flagship to really be aligned in terms of the future.

“We have such an amazing potential to be this big job creator. West Virginia can rise on our energy resources and on all its amazing strengths, and when WVU succeeds, the state succeeds. When Marshall succeeds, the state succeeds. That’s what we’re working on doing.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of fans after a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

State of Kansas extends deadline for Chiefs, Royals stadium funding

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas remains in the running to provide the future home of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

A committee in the Kansas state legislature extended a deadline Monday for the NFL and Major League Baseball franchises to accept state financing for new stadiums.

The original deadline came and went on June 30, but it was retroactively extended on Monday. Now the Chiefs and Royals have till June 30, 2026, but the committee is pressing for a decision from the teams by New Year’s Eve.

The Chiefs and Royals have long made their homes at Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, respectively, in the same complex in Kansas City, Mo. They are among the oldest venues in their leagues and their leases with Jackson County are up in January 2031.

In June, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed off on legislation that would authorize bonds to pay for up to 50 percent of the cost for the Chiefs and Royals to build or renovate a stadium.

Not to be outdone, Kansas has had an offer on the table of using bonds to cover 70 percent of the cost of a new stadium if either of the teams chooses to relocate.

“Together, we have the opportunity to bring the National Football League to Kansas, anchored by a world-class domed stadium, new team headquarters, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a vibrant mixed-use and entertainment district,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan wrote to Kansas Senate president Ty Masterson when requesting a deadline extension.

The Chiefs previously unveiled renderings for a proposed multimillion-dollar renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have said they want to move from Kauffman Stadium, preferably to a new ballpark downtown.

In April 2024, voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax measure that would have helped pay for Arrowhead renovations and a stadium for the Royals.

–Field Level Media

Feb 14, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general overall aerial view of Kauffman Stadium (foreground) and Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Missouri governor signs off on financial aid for Chiefs, Royals stadiums

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed off on legislation that could provide millions of dollars for stadium upgrades for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Under the bill approved in a special session Wednesday by Missouri lawmakers, the state agreed to authorize bonds to pay for up to half of the cost to build or renovate a stadium, as well as offer tax credits. Local governments also would provide unspecifed assistance.

The two teams play at the Truman Sports Complex, with their stadiums side by side. Arrowhead Stadium opened in 1972 as the home of the Chiefs, with the Royals moving into what now is called Kauffman Stadium the following season.

Though still aesthetically pleasing, the two stadiums are among the oldest in their sports.

In the NFL, only the Chicago Bears (Soldier Field, built in 1924) and Green Bay Packers (Lambeau Field, 1957) play in older venues. In Major League Baseball, only the Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park, 1912), Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field, 1914), Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodger Stadium, 1962) and Los Angeles Angels (Angel Stadium, 1966) have stadiums with a longer life span.

The signed bill in Missouri applies to any assistance for any NFL or MLB team that wants to undergo a stadium renovation or build of at least $500 million. That means the St. Louis Cardinals also could get financial aid should they want to improve Busch Stadium, which opened in 2006 amid a wave of new stadiums.

The Chiefs and Royals have a looming deadline, however.

In an effort to lure the teams to Kansas, that state last year authorized the issuance of bonds for as much as 70 percent of the cost of new stadiums. That offer is scheduled to expire June 30.

Kansas City, Mo., tucked in the northwest corner of the state, sits right on the border with Kansas. Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. are separated by just four miles, for example.

Neither team has discounted a move to Kansas.

The Chiefs previously unveiled renderings for a proposed multimillion dollar renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have said they want to move from Kauffman Stadium, preferably to a new ballpark downtown.

In April 2024, voters in Jackson County, Mo., rejected a sales tax measure that would have helped to pay for Arrowhead renovations and a stadium for the Royals.

The teams’ leases for their existing stadiums expire in January 2031.

–Field Level Media

Apr 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; President Donald Trump honors the Super Bowl LIX champion Philadelphia Eagles at The White House in Washington D.C., on April 28, 2025.

Trump budget plan would cut funding for brain injury research

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If the Trump administration’s 2026 fiscal budget request is approved by Congress, it would eliminate the Centers for Disease Control department in charge of traumatic brain injury research and education, including the department’s $8.25 million in federal funding.

On April 1, the five employees responsible for administering the U.S. government’s primary TBI program were placed on paid administrative leave by the CDC.

Dr. Owen Perlman, a board member of the Brain Injury Association of America’s board of directors, said the budget cuts would “roll back decades of progress” on TBI research and education.

“For many people with concussions or certainly moderate or severe brain injuries, there’s no endpoint,” Perlman said. “It’s a lifetime problem, and there needs to be lifetime funding for it.”

Heads Up, which administers concussion-prevention programs for youth and high-school coaches in 45 states, would be disbanded if the budget proposal is approved. The CDC employees who were put on leave managed the program, whose website says more than 10 million people have taken part in its training programs online.

“We’re really worried about the hundreds of thousands of coaches who have to take this training,” a CDC official told ESPN. “This is really built in, and we’ve lost the whole team (behind the program).”

As part of the Trump administration’s budget, the National Institutes of Health, which focuses on medical issues including stroke and migraines, would maintain an institute for brain research. It’s unknown if any TBI programs would be included.

–Field Level Media