Bill Self reacts to Chiefs moving to the state of Kansas

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self had an interesting reaction to the Kansas City Chiefs’ plan to move to the state of Kansas. It was officially announced the NFL franchise will move from Missouri to Kansas in 2031 and play in a domed stadium.

That’ll be the end of historic Arrowhead Stadium, which has long been one of the best home-field advantages in the league. Plus, it’s one of the more unique outdoor venues.

But as Self put it, the state of Kansas will get a big boost, even if it comes at the expense of Missouri. The Jayhawks leader even teased “he wouldn’t be here” by the time the Chiefs actually move.

“Well, I’m not politically connected at all, but I think it’s awesome to get them here,” Self said. “I also think it’s pretty amazing, and I’m not politically connected, nor do I have a real opinion about it at all, but it seems like in the last four or five years, there’s been a lot of good things happen to Kansas, and a lot of, I mean, with businesses moving here and all this stuff and and I think that’s a great that’s a credit to our leadership, obviously the governor. 

“I think it’s fantastic. I’m excited about it, which I think all Kansas should be excited about. I’m sure there’s people across the state line that probably don’t feel that same sentiment … You know, I won’t be coaching here, so I won’t benefit from it. But the bottom line is, what is it going to be like six years from now? So the bottom line is, it’s great for the state though, I would think it’s great.”

The Chiefs weighed options when it comes to playing future games. They considered renovating Arrowhead Stadium, located in Jackson County, Missouri, but the state of Kansas made a push to host the Chiefs.

In 2024, lawmakers in Kansas authorized bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums to try to lure the Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals to their state. Missouri lawmakers responded by authorizing bonds covering up to 50 percent of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and aid from local governments, according to the Associated Press.

The Chiefs and the Royals (who play at Kauffman Stadium) have played in Missouri for more than 50 years, and their leases are up in January 2031. Earlier in the 2025 season, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told local reporters that the franchise was considering both sides from Missouri and Kansas.

“I wouldn’t say we’re in limbo. Stadium projects move at their own pace,” Hunt said. “We’ve learned over the years that you can’t really force them to go faster, even if you want them to. And so it’s just important for us to keep working on both options.”