Kansas City Chiefs’ $4billion relocation risks Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes wrath after duo made feelings clear on Arrowhead Stadium

Dec 22, 2025 - 22:45

The Kansas City Chiefs have made their decision – and it looks to be over for more than 50 years of history.

Local media suggested last week that news on the franchise’s stadium was on the way, and over the weekend Kansas Governor Laura Kelly confirmed a ‘special announcement’ was on the way.

General panoramic view of Arrowhead Stadium — Arrowhead has been home to the Chiefs for more than 50 years

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt is preparing to move the team across state lines

On Monday, following a meeting of the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council in Topeka, the Chiefs’ future plans were laid out.

Governor Kelly made it official: the Chiefs are moving to Kansas and saying goodbye to Missouri.

“We are announcing an agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas,” Kelly said.

“Kansas is not a flyover state. We are a touchdown state.”

Major decision

Kelly revealed that the Chiefs’ new stadium will be built in Wyandotte County as part of a larger entertainment district, while the team’s headquarters and practice facility will be located in Olathe, Kansas.

“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 $4billion of development in the State of Kansas.”

The Chiefs are expected to complete the move across state lines ahead of the 2031 season, with a new $3bn domed stadium, that will be 70 per cent publicly funded.

The Arrowhead Stadium lease expires after 2030.

Between Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending injury and a lopsided loss to the Titans, the Chiefs’ move to Kansas unfolded in about the worst way possible and probably not how they drew it up.

The Chiefs plan to move forward with a decision that will not only see them leave behind their iconic stadium, but also leave Kansas City and completing the treble, cross state lines into Kansas from Missouri.

View Tweet: https://t.co/Ca2QmA9H8n

The franchise have played in Kansas City since 1963 and have called Arrowhead Stadium home since 1972 – but now both the city and stadium do not look to be part of their future plans.

Fans have already made their feelings clear on the controversial plans, and while there is still a process to move through, Chiefs fans will continue to signal their opposition.

While the stadium is desperately in need of upgrades, the standoff between the $25bn Hunt family and local authorities has been bubbling for more than 12 months.

Officials in Missouri are understandably reluctant to see the Chiefs leave.

“Kansas City, the State of Missouri, and the new executive team at Jackson County have continued negotiations with our teams through this week,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement released to the The Star.

“Kansas City and its partners have made compelling but responsible offers north of $1.5bn with identifiable and backed sources of funds to maintain the legacy of Arrowhead Stadium while updating its facilities to remain among the finest in the National Football League and in the world.”

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes might have played their last game together with the Chiefs — Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have helped make Arrowhead a fortress

Super Bowl heroes outline Arrowhead pride

Mahomes and Kelce have made their feelings clear on the Chiefs plans – the desire to leave iconic Arrowhead risks losing a significant home advantage.

While the Chiefs struggles this season saw them eliminated from postseason contention before Christmas, they have been regulars in the playoffs for the last decade.

Coach Andy Reid has led the team to nine AFC West titles and three Super Bowl titles from six appearances over the last seasons.

That dominance has come largely on the back of a homefield advantage unlike almost any other in the NFL.

Arrowhead is widely considered to be the loudest crowd in the league and the phrase – the Super Bowl goes through Arrowhead has been a staple of the dynasty’s run.

“We love playing in Arrowhead. You know how that goes. Our players get fired up,” Reid has been quoted as saying. “When you come out of that tunnel and its red and its loud, it’s a beautiful thing.

Arrowhead Stadium has hosted six of the last seven AFC Championship games – with five wins for the Chiefs[/caption]

Back in 2024, Mahomes – who has suffered a season-ending knee injury told the Impaulsive podcast with Logan Paul.

“I love it, man. I love the people.

“The people are what make the city and they embrace you.”

Those thoughts have been echoed by Kelce, like Mahomes he has played his entire career for the franchise and has only known home dominance.

“Arrowhead is home for me,” Kelce commented. “It’s a part of my heart, playing in that stadium.

“But the fans want what the fans want. We play for them. I think it’s up to them.”

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