Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs made it very clear that they would consider moving out of Kansas City if the city did not vote to extend a sales tax to help finance some massive renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. And now, it seems like the team is making another move to make sure that vote passes.
The Kansas City Chiefs, in conjunction with the Kansas City Royals, have offered to donate $266 million in “Community Benefits Agreements” to Jackson County. But there’s a catch – they would only make that donation if the city votes to extend the sales tax. If the vote passes, the Chiefs and Royals will donate nothing.
“It was really important that we demonstrated our commitment to this community, which we did today. That is all on top of an exciting reimagining of Arrowhead, and it takes nothing new from the county,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in an article on the team’s website. “The amount of tax doesn’t change. It’s just extending the existing tax.”
The article went on to make it clear that the donation would only happen if the extended sales tax is passed.
“It’s critical to mention that these historic CBAs are contingent on a majority ‘Yes’ vote during the Jackson County general municipal election on April 2. A positive result will not only keep both the Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County for decades to come, but also pour millions of dollars — $266 million to be exact — directly back into the community.”
So not only have the Chiefs threatened to leave if the vote doesn’t go their way, but it seems they’re now resorting to a form of bribe. It’s certainly not a good look for the Chiefs.
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