Chiefs Owner Adds to Relocation Fears in New Comments
The future is on the minds of many Kansas City Chiefs fans at the moment. No, not the 2024 NFL season and the possibility of a Super Bowl three-peat — something a bit further away than that.
As it stands, nobody knows where the Chiefs will play in 2031 and beyond. The franchise's current deal with GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium expires following the 2030 campaign and a future agreement has yet to be signed, leaving time to tell if the Chiefs will be playing in a renovated stadium, a new facility, or another city entirely.
As the team owner, Chiefs fans look to someone like Clark Hunt to help calm the fanbase's nerves. After all, the team has been a part of the city's fabric for more than 60 years and a relocation — even if it's only across state lines — could turn a lot of people away from the franchise.
Unfortunately, the 59-year-old's latest comments won't exactly put any worried fans at ease.
Chiefs News: Clark Hunt Has "Open Mind" Regarding Relocation
According to Arrowhead Pride's Pete Sweeney, Clark talked to reporters about a possible relocation following Monday's training camp practice. The Dallas, TX native told the media that while the idea of the Chiefs moving to the state of Kansas is "premature," the team has an "open mind" regarding other potential options.
Regarding the stadium conversation, Clark Hunt says any talks of moving to Kansas are “premature” with 6+ years left on the lease.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 22, 2024
He calls Arrowhead a “special place” but did say they are happy to have “options” and will continue to go into it with an “open mind.” pic.twitter.com/MRCfQwsv4Z
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how Hunt immediately contradicts himself in his statement. Although he says it's too early to think about the Chiefs moving to another state and that Arrowhead Stadium is "special," the fact that he's happy to have outside options shows that he might not be as committed to staying as the fans hoped.
On Friday, Chiefs president Mark Donovan told local media that the franchise hopes to have a concrete idea about its future within six months. The decision could hinge on the outcome of August's primary election as Missouri's next governor could determine whether the Chiefs stay or go.
Previously, Donovan had been committed to keeping the Chiefs in Missouri. However, Jackson County inhabitants voting against April's 3/8-cent sales tax that would've helped renovate Arrowhead Stadium forced the NFL executive to be more open to a potential relocation.
"What makes the most sense for our fans? What makes the most sense for our franchise and this organization? What makes the most sense and can have the biggest impact on this region? I think the positive is we do have options and we’ll consider those."
- Mark Donovan
The Chiefs first made their way to Kansas City back in 1963 as an AFL franchise before joining the NFL in 1970. While it hasn't always been perfect, the Chiefs have found a ton of success throughout the last 61 years, which includes bringing four Super Bowl banners to town.
Judging by the team's timeline, we'll likely have a better idea of the Chiefs' future by the end of the 2024 NFL season. While a large portion of Chiefs Kingdom would love for the franchise to remain in Kansas City, the state of Kansas and San Antonio, TX have emerged as the top relocation destinations.
The Chiefs aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so it's best to just focus on the present. Fortunately, things look bright at the moment with DraftKings Sportsbook currently favoring Kansas City to win Super Bowl LIX at +500 odds.
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