Kansas Lawmakers Criticize Chiefs Deal Over 'Tax Giveaways'

Both parties raise concerns over incentives to bring NFL team across state line

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:31am

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In a heated hearing in Topeka, Kansas lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties grilled a lawyer for the Kansas City Chiefs over the deal to bring the NFL team across the state line, criticizing the tax incentives and 'giveaways' involved.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' move to Kansas has been a contentious political issue, with concerns raised about the use of public funds and tax breaks to lure the team. The bipartisan criticism highlights the divisive nature of such deals and the ongoing debate over the use of taxpayer money to subsidize professional sports franchises.

The details

During the hearing, Democratic state Rep. Rui Xu and Republican Rep. Kristey Williams, who normally have opposing political views, found themselves in rare agreement as they pressed the Chiefs' lawyer on the details of the deal. The lawmakers expressed concerns over the tax incentives and other financial concessions made to the team, which they view as unfair 'giveaways' to a billionaire-owned franchise.

  • The hearing took place last week in Topeka.

The players

Rui Xu

A Democratic state representative in Kansas who was critical of the Chiefs deal.

Kristey Williams

A Republican state representative in Kansas who also criticized the Chiefs deal, despite normally having opposing views from Rep. Xu.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL team that is moving across the state line from Missouri to Kansas, prompting the heated debate over tax incentives and public funding.

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What they’re saying

“I was huddling together with (Republican) Representative Kristey Williams, who I get along with personally well,”

— Rui Xu, Democratic state representative

What’s next

The Kansas legislature is expected to continue debating the details of the Chiefs deal in the coming weeks as they consider whether to approve the proposed tax incentives.

The takeaway

The bipartisan criticism of the Chiefs deal highlights the ongoing tensions over the use of public funds to subsidize professional sports franchises, even when the teams enjoy widespread community support. This debate is likely to continue as state and local governments weigh the costs and benefits of such incentive packages.