Missouri taxpayers are once again being asked to foot the bill for billionaire sports team owners. Governor Mike Kehoe has called an extraordinary session to push through Senate Bill 3 (SB3), a proposal that would funnel millions in public money to build and renovate professional sports stadiums in Kansas City. The Governor claims this will keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri and boost the economy. But the evidence—and Missouri voters—tell a different story.
In April 2024, Jackson County residents overwhelmingly rejected a similar proposal to fund new stadiums with a sales tax. Now, the state is trying to bypass that decision by covering 50% of the costs through SB3. This plan is not only financially reckless but also constitutionally suspect and a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Missourians must oppose SB 3 outright—not as a bargaining chip for other priorities, but as a matter of principle. Here’s why.
The Financial Burden: SB3 is A Bad Deal for Taxpayers
Building and renovating sports stadiums is expensive. Across the U.S., taxpayers have spent $33 billion since 1970 on sports venues, often with little to show for it. SB 3 would commit Missouri to funding up to 50% of the costs for projects exceeding $500 million. For a single $500 million stadium, that’s $250 million from taxpayers. And with discussions of multiple stadiums, the total cost could be staggering.
But what do taxpayers get in return? Proponents promise jobs, tourism, and economic growth. Yet, studies from institutions like the Brookings Institution reveal the truth: the benefits are exaggerated. Most jobs created are low-wage, seasonal positions—like selling concessions or cleaning stands. The “economic boost” often just shifts spending from other local businesses, like restaurants or theaters, rather than creating new revenue. In cities like Miami, taxpayers paid $200 million for a stadium, only for the team to threaten to leave anyway. Missourians deserve better than empty promises.
Worse, the plan would divert funds from critical public services. For every $147,000 spent on stadium jobs, Missouri could create jobs through other programs for just $6,250 each. Imagine the impact that money could have on schools, roads, or healthcare instead of subsidizing billionaire team owners.
Amy Castro, in her Substack post “Should Missouri Taxpayers Pay for New Sports Stadiums?,” highlights the financial folly of such deals, noting that “the jobs and tourism they bring don’t match the massive costs, and the real winners are the team owners.” Her analysis underscores that Missouri taxpayers are right to be skeptical, as the evidence shows these stadiums are a bad deal for regular people.
Constitutional Red Flags: Is SB3 Even Legal?
Beyond the financial concerns, SB 3 likely violates the Missouri Constitution. Article III, Sections 38(A), 39(5), and 40(3) place strict limits on how the legislature can use public funds and tax credits. Let’s break it down:
- Article III, Section 38(A) prohibits granting public money to private entities, except for specific charitable purposes. Funding private sports stadiums doesn’t qualify.
- Article III, Section 39(5) bans the release of tax obligations without consideration—meaning the state can’t forgive taxes unless it gets something of equal value in return. The economic benefits of stadiums are too speculative to meet this standard.
- Article III, Section 40(3) forbids special laws that benefit only a select few. SB 3 is clearly aimed at specific teams in Kansas City, making it a “special law” disguised as general legislation.
Even if clever legal maneuvering might get SB 3 past a court, it violates the spirit of the Constitution, which was designed to prevent favoritism toward the well-connected. Missouri’s framers condemned laws that “advance private interests” at the public’s expense. SB 3 does exactly that.
Ron Calzone of the Article 3 Institute warns that SB 3 “violates the spirit of what the framers of our Constitution considered to be of utmost importance.” He argues that the bill’s use of targeted tax credits and public funding for private entities is not only unconstitutional but also a betrayal of the public trust.
SB3 Misplaced Priorities: Public Money for Public Needs
Missouri faces real challenges—failing schools, rising utility costs, and over taxed citizens. Yet, SB3 would siphon millions from these priorities to benefit wealthy sports franchise owners. The Chiefs and Royals are worth billions; their owners can afford to build their own stadiums, just as teams in Los Angeles have done.
Proponents argue that keeping the teams boosts “civic pride.” But is pride worth thousands of dollars per taxpayer? In Oklahoma City, residents paid $900 million for a new arena—thousands per adult. Missourians shouldn’t have to choose between pride and practical needs.
There are fairer ways to fund stadiums if they’re deemed necessary:
- User-based taxes: Tax game tickets or luxury suites so those who benefit pay the most.
- Private financing: Owners could take out loans, as they would for any other business investment.
These options shift the burden away from taxpayers and onto those who profit directly. SB3, however, sticks Missourians with the bill.
Why Compromise Isn’t an Option
Some might argue that SB3 could be leveraged to secure other legislative wins. But this is a dangerous game. Trading bad policy for short-term gains undermines the integrity of our government and sets a precedent for future misuse of public funds. Missourians must stand firm and demand that their leaders prioritize the public good over private interests.
Jackson County voters already said “No” to funding stadiums. The state should respect that decision, not override it. Threats from team owners to relocate are likely bluffs—both teams are deeply rooted in Kansas City, with loyal fanbases and rich histories. Missourians shouldn’t be strong-armed into subsidizing billionaires.
Act for Missouri’s own Amy Castro captures this sentiment, writing, “Missouri taxpayers were right to be skeptical. New stadiums sound exciting, but the evidence shows they’re a bad deal for regular people.” Her words reflect the growing frustration with policies prioritizing the wealthy over the working class.
Call to Action: Tell Your Leaders “NO!”
Missouri taxpayers deserve better than SB3. This bill is a bad deal—financially, constitutionally, and ethically. It’s time to tell Governor Kehoe and the legislature that public money belongs to the public, not to billionaire sports team owners.
What You Can Do:
- Contact your state Senators and Representatives and urge them to oppose SB3. Click here to find your legislators!
- Share the facts about the real costs and limited benefits of publicly funded stadiums.
- Demand transparency on how your tax dollars are spent.
This is not a time for compromise. It’s a time to stand up for Missouri’s taxpayers and say, “NO!” to SB3.
Missourians, the choice is clear. Let’s protect our wallets, our Constitution, and our priorities. Oppose SB3—because taxpayer money should serve the people, not the powerful.
Read our Substack by Amy Castro for her economic analysis and insights into taxpayer sentiment, and Ron Calzone’s blog for his constitutional expertise and warnings about the legal risks of SB 3.