Missouri legislators consider bill that would pave way for Clay County to create sports complex authority
NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri lawmakers are considering a Senate bill that would authorize Clay County to create a sports complex authority, which would pave the way for the Royals or Chiefs to consider a location in the county for their next stadium.
State Senator Maggie Nurrenbern, who represents District 17, sponsored the bill, Senate Bill 710.
“I think everyone in Kansas City is very interested in the future home of the Chiefs and Royals,” said Nurrenbern. “As somebody who grew up in the Kansas City area, I always say this is engrained in our DNA: a love for the Chiefs and a love for the Royals. We want to make sure we are doing whatever we can to ensure they have all the options on the table to stay in Missouri.”
Nurrenbern says she worked on the legislation with Senator Kurtis Gregory, who sponsored a companion bill, Senate Bill 1713. Both have portions of Clay County in their districts.
“One of the things we’ve been working with our Clay County Commissioners on is ensuring if the Chiefs or Royals so choose to come to the Northland, specifically to Clay County, we would have a sports authority that would serve as a through entity for any dollars that would be appropriated for that purpose,” said Nurrenbern.
North Kansas City was once considered for the Royals new stadium, before the team decided on a downtown Kansas City location in the Crossroads (that was later voted down). The potential stadium in the Northland would have been at 18th Avenue and Fayette Street.
“I think anyone who has been to the city of North Kansas City knows that it is an absolute hidden gem,” said Nurrenbern. “It isn’t quite so hidden anymore. I think you look at the entertainment district, from Chicken N Pickle to Cinder Block Brewery, Chappell’s. I think the Royals or Chiefs calling North Kansas City home would be a great call. This senate bill is simply another tool for those teams to make a decision and help find the best place for them.”
Nurrenbern says whether it be a stadium or training facility, there are “lots of great options on the table.” With seven weeks left in the legislative session, time is limited.
“Our best hope to this legislation is to attach it to another piece of legislation that is moving and there are many options on the table,” said Nurrenbern. “I know this has broad bipartisan and I am certain that the General Assembly will do what we need to do what we need to do to ensure the teams stay here in Missouri.”
If the bill es, it will grant Clay County the authority to create a county sports complex authority. What happens after that is up to the Clay County Commission. Nurrenbern says that could mean the idea could go before voters.
“That this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Nurrenbern. “You have quick access to the airport, you have quick access to downtown, to over on the Kansas side for our fans that we hope to welcome from Kansas. I really think it’s an absolute perfect spot and a great opportunity if either team decides to use North Kansas City as their landing spot, we would gladly welcome them.”
KCTV reached out to the Clay County Presiding Commissioner for comment and have not heard back at this time, but he and other county leaders have voiced their to bring the teams to Clay County in the past.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
