State of Petty: Missouri Lawmaker Moves to Strip Chiefs of “Official” Status

• The Resolution: Missouri Senator Nick Schroer introduced legislation to remove the “official football team” title from the Chiefs.
• The Successor: The UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks would inherit the title under the proposed resolution.
• The Catalyst: The move follows the Chiefs’ decision to relocate across state lines to Kansas after Missouri failed to secure stadium funding.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri isn’t letting the Kansas City Chiefs walk away without a parting shot. Senator Nick Schroer has officially introduced a resolution that would strip the Chiefs of their designation as the state’s official NFL team, handing the honor instead to the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks.

The High Price of Business Decisions

The Chiefs didn’t just decide to leave; they followed the money. After Jackson County voters overwhelmingly rejected a 2024 sales tax measure aimed at renovating Arrowhead Stadium, the organization looked west. Kansas stepped up with a financial package that Missouri leadership couldn’t or wouldn’t match.

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Senator Schroer’s resolution frames the move as a betrayal of “years of fan support and financial support from the citizens of this state.” By elevating the Battlehawks, Schroer is signaling that Missouri’s loyalty belongs to those who stay, even if they play in a secondary league.

A History of Missouri Departures

This isn’t Missouri’s first rodeo with relocation heartbreak. The state has watched a steady stream of talent exit the borders over the decades. The Chiefs are simply the latest to join a list that fans know all too well:

• The Cardinals: Left St. Louis for Arizona in 1988.
• The Rams: Deserted St. Louis for Los Angeles in 2016.
• The Chiefs: Currently finalizing the move to Kansas.

The UFL, which owns the Battlehawks, has already proven that even the “official” replacement isn’t permanent. The league relocated three of its eight franchises after the 2025 season. In modern sports, “family” is a marketing term; “ROI” is the reality.

“Based on recent events, it has become clear that the will of the people of the state of Missouri has changed… the Kansas City Chiefs football organization has indicated that… the team wants to relocate to the state of Kansas.” — Senator Nick Schroer, Resolution Draft

What’s Next: Is the Door Actually Closed?

While the resolution is a masterclass in political pettiness, the door isn’t technically locked. Missouri officials still have a narrow window to present a counter-offer that could sway the NFL’s business interests. However, with legislative energy being spent on symbolic resolutions rather than billion-dollar stadium packages, the Chiefs’ move to Kansas looks more like a done deal every day.