Clark Hunt Opens Up on Chiefs' Move: Why Missouri Lost the Franchise to Kansas
After more than six decades in Kansas City, the Chiefs are officially heading across state lines - and Clark Hunt is shedding light on exactly why. The team chairman and CEO, who took over the reins of the franchise his father Lamar Hunt founded, spoke candidly about the decision that’s sending one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises from Missouri to Kansas.
And while the move may feel sudden to some, Hunt made it clear: this wasn't about loyalty. It was about logistics.
One Unified Voice vs. Three Separate Ones
“We had a great dialogue with Missouri all the way through the end of last week,” Hunt told reporters. But when it came down to decision time, the difference in how each state handled negotiations was stark.
“In Missouri, we were working with the governor’s office, the county, and the city,” Hunt said. “In Kansas, we were working with one party: the State of Kansas. We just didn’t get there for the timeline.”
That streamlined process in Kansas proved to be the game-changer. While Missouri’s side was juggling multiple jurisdictions, Kansas came to the table speaking with one voice - and they moved fast.
Missouri's Missed Opportunity
The writing was on the wall earlier this year when Jackson County voters rejected Question 1, a ballot initiative that would have helped fund a new stadium. That vote was a major blow to the Chiefs’ hopes of staying in Missouri. Not long after, county executive Frank White was voted out of office - a sign of broader frustration with how negotiations were handled.
Meanwhile, Kansas didn’t just show interest - they showed urgency. The state passed its STAR bonds proposal in less than three months.
For comparison, Missouri’s legislature took over 13 months to get a stadium bill to the finish line. In the high-stakes world of NFL franchise negotiations, that kind of delay can be fatal.
Leaving Arrowhead Hurts - Even for Hunt
The emotional weight of leaving Arrowhead Stadium isn’t lost on anyone - especially not Clark Hunt.
“There is some pain on leaving Arrowhead, and I’ll be at the top of that list,” he said.
Arrowhead has been more than just a stadium. It's been the heartbeat of Chiefs Kingdom, a place where generations of fans have lived and breathed football.
From tailgates that start at sunrise to the deafening roar on third downs, Arrowhead is woven into the fabric of the franchise. But sentiment couldn't outweigh structural and financial realities.
What’s Next in Kansas: A Dome and a Vision
Kansas isn't just inheriting a team - it’s building the future of football in the region. The new stadium, a domed facility in Wyandotte County, is set to open in 2031.
Alongside it will be a state-of-the-art training complex in Olathe. This isn’t just about football games; it's about positioning the area as a major player in the national sports landscape.
The financing reflects a shared investment: the Hunt family will cover 40% of construction costs, while the State of Kansas picks up the remaining 60%. It’s a partnership with eyes on the big picture. A domed stadium means the region can now compete for marquee events - Super Bowls, College Football Playoff games, Final Fours - the kind of economic drivers that go far beyond Sunday afternoons.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly called the deal a “game changer,” and she’s not wrong. This move reshapes the sports and economic map of the Midwest.
The Bottom Line
Missouri didn’t lose the Chiefs overnight. This was a slow unraveling - one marked by missed deadlines, fractured negotiations, and a lack of unified vision. Kansas, on the other hand, stepped in with urgency, clarity, and a plan.
And now, for the first time since the AFL days, the Chiefs are preparing to call a new state home. Arrowhead’s legacy will always be part of the team’s identity, but the future? That’s being built just across the border - under a dome, with a view toward something even bigger.