The workers’ rights group who brought forward the petition to have citizens vote say a “for” vote will force city leaders to put the planned Royals stadium in front of voters. The mayor disagrees.

The Protect College Sports Act is on the brink of passing in the Senate, where a handful of former college athletes who are now senators on both sides of the aisle have an extra say in the debate. Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, is determined to get it passed.

Those involved in the World Cup's KC2026 effort and economic development leaders say Kansas City can build a brand around its expertise in sports architecture and increasing its profile in sports media, tech, health and youth sports.

One sports market analyst said he was surprised that the FIFA World Cup, for which Kansas City was a host city in June and July, didn't drive more wagers.

The University of Kansas is rebuilding its football stadium and creating an almost billion-dollar Gateway District. The project is straining revenues for the university.

Kansas was one of the first Midwestern states to sanction girls’ flag football as a varsity high school sport. Now, girls across the state have their first chance to compete under the lights.

After a successful summer hosting Algeria during the World Cup, KU’s athletics department has been hustling to get ready for the Union Jack Classic. It's the first-ever college football game at the legendary Wembley Stadium, and required shipping equipment and band instruments over on a boat.

Running back MicahJo Barnett had trouble breathing after scoring a touchdown during Saturday's game, when it was 97 degrees in Liberty, Missouri. He died a short time later at the hospital.

Rylan Reece, 16, died on the first day of practice at tiny Pawnee Heights High School. He was the fifth Kansas football player to die during conditioning since 2018.

Public funds from city and state sources would contribute 60% of the cost for the Crown Center stadium, possibly through tax-exempt bonds. The Royals will have "no obligation to repay or otherwise support payment of” those bonds, leaving the city to cover any shortfalls.

The 17-year-old student died on the first day of practice at Pawnee Heights High School in western Kansas. He is the fifth football player to die in Kansas since 2018.

Kansas City could approve a deal with the Royals within the next two weeks. But the public still doesn’t know where the $600 million will come from or whether the city was successful in negotiating community benefits.