After more than half a century rooted in Missouri, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a dramatic change that will redefine where — and how — the franchise plays its home games.
According to the New York Post, team owner Clark Hunt informed fans Monday that the Chiefs have reached an agreement with the State of Kansas to relocate beginning with the 2031 NFL season.
The move will take the franchise out of Arrowhead Stadium and into a new domed venue planned for Wyandotte County.
“Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise,” Hunt wrote in a letter to fans. “We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season. In the years ahead, we look forward to designing and building a state-of-the-art domed stadium and mixed-use district in Wyandotte County, and a best-in-class training facility, team headquarters, and mixed-use district in Olathe, totaling a minimum of $4 billion of development in the State of Kansas.”
The announcement came after Kansas lawmakers approved a funding proposal that cleared the way for the relocation. Under the plan, the state can issue STAR bonds covering up to 70% of eligible costs tied to the stadium and surrounding development.
Missouri officials had previously authorized a competing offer that included bonds covering up to 50% of costs for renovations or a new stadium, along with $50 million in tax credits. That package ultimately fell short of keeping the Chiefs in their longtime home.
The new Kansas agreement includes not only a domed stadium, but a broader mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a separate team headquarters and training facility development in Olathe.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised the deal as a milestone for the league and the franchise.
“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” Goodell said. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases.
The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts, or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”
The Chiefs have played at Arrowhead Stadium since 1972, becoming one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises and a modern dynasty, despite missing the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2014.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly called the move transformational for the state.
“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level,” Kelly said. “With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family. This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas was also expected to address the announcement publicly.
Hunt acknowledged the emotional weight of leaving Arrowhead behind.
“Of course, it will be difficult to bid farewell to Arrowhead Stadium in a few years,” he wrote. “Like so many of you, Arrowhead reminds me of family memories and unforgettable moments. But the truth is, what makes Chiefs gamedays so special is you. Seats don’t make noise, concrete doesn’t intimidate opponents, parking lots don’t cook barbecue. You do.”
“From the day the Chiefs came to Kansas City, you have energized this team, and this team has elevated the profile of the city and the region,” Hunt added. “This next step will further elevate the entire region in the eyes of the country and the world.”
