Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals Announce Terms of Historic Community Benefits Agreements Worth $260M+

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals announced terms of the historic Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) with Jackson County that will total more than $260 million in commitments across a broad range of initiatives supporting residents, if voters approve Question 1 on the upcoming April 2 ballot.

Combined and individually they represent the largest CBAs in Kansas City’s history, surpassing any singular agreement negotiated previously, including the recent one negotiated around Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal.

These CBAs are in addition to the more than $200 million in economic relief the Chiefs and Royals have provided Jackson County by eliminating its obligation to pay stadium insurance premiums and park levy to the teams.

“The Imagine Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan highlights a vision for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Downtown Kansas City. We are now working to implement the plan with a focus on its transformative strategies and catalytic projects. One of these catalytic projects is moving closer to fruition, a new Downtown Ballpark,” said Dr. Kimberly Beatty, chair of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. “With today’s announcement of a robust CBA, we see the opportunity for the Ballpark to integrate into its neighborhood with substantial community investment that is dynamic, affordable, connected, authentic, and resilient exemplifying the Imagine Downtown KC Strategic Plan.”

“We are thrilled to have sealed the deal with the Chiefs and the Royals, marking a historic milestone in Kansas City’s construction landscape,” said Gwendolyn Grant, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City. “Achieving an unprecedented 43% minority- and women-owned business participation on the professional services and construction of the ballpark and stadium renovations is not just a win for us – it’s a triumph for diversity, equity, and economic empowerment. This landmark agreement sets a powerful precedent for the future, demonstrating our commitment to fostering inclusive growth and paving the way for lasting change in our community.”

“This historic agreement with the Chiefs and Royals centers equity in the process through a community-controlled decision-making structure,” said Geoff Jolley, Executive Director of LISC Greater Kansas City. “The unprecedented investment in a Community Benefits Agreement of more than $260 million demonstrates the commitment by the teams to reinvest in our community to address persistent issues, including the lack of affordable housing, which impacts every aspect of life for many of our neighbors.”

“We are excited about this substantive community benefits agreement, which will inject over $260 million into vital areas such as education, healthcare, affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and beyond across Jackson County,” said Bishop James Tindall, Founder and Convener of the Urban Summit. “This investment isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about creating a pathway to economic growth and stability for the communities we serve. With this bold initiative, we are not only investing in infrastructure but also in the future prosperity of our most vulnerable neighborhoods, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous Jackson County for generations to come.”

Kansas City Chiefs Agreement

The Chiefs’ agreement totals $126 million, with commitments covering a broad range of economic and social initiatives designed to support the Jackson County community, with funds governed by a board appointed by the Jackson County Legislature and the Chiefs to oversee the distribution, governance, accountability and audit processes. Initiatives covered by this CBA include:

Employment Benefits (i.e., workforce training and education)
Healthcare
Children and Families (with a focus on youth programming)
Diversity Benefits (i.e., minority- and women-owned business goals)
Workforce Assistance
Education (i.e., supplemental education support services for urban youth and adults)
Environment & Sustainability (i.e., development, implementation, and maintenance of a sustainability operations plan, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions)
Public Transportation Benefits (for both workers and residents)

The Chiefs’ CBA reinforces the team’s efforts to address racial and gender disparities, with the goal of having 43 percent of minority- and women-owned businesses involved in the construction phase of the Arrowhead Stadium renovation. This commitment is foundational for creating long-term wealth for local workers.

Kansas City Royals Agreement

The Royals’ CBA totals $140 million, the largest across Major League Baseball to date, with commitments covering a broad range of economic and social initiatives designed to support the Jackson County community, with funds governed by a board appointed by the Jackson County Legislature and the Royals to oversee the distribution, governance, accountability and audit processes. Initiatives covered by this CBA include:

Employment Benefits (i.e., workforce training and education)
Affordable Housing
Childcare Benefits (i.e., workforce support)
Healthcare (i.e., anti-violence initiatives, mental health awareness)
Diversity Benefits (i.e., minority- and women-owned business goals, low-interest loan program, and pay without delay program)
Workforce Assistance
Education (i.e., supplemental education support services for urban youth and adults)
Environment & Sustainability (i.e., development, implementation, and maintenance of a sustainability operations plan, and efforts to reduce carbon emissions)
Public Transportation Benefits (for both workers and residents)

The Royals’ CBA reinforces the club’s efforts to address racial and gender disparities, with the goal of having 43 percent of minority- and women-owned businesses involved in construction. Such a commitment is the foundation for creating generational wealth for Kansas Citians from all walks of life and particularly minority communities.