Sports ticket prices rose significantly more than inflation across leagues over the past 10 years, with premium seats skyrocketing, according to data that ticketing platform Gametime shared with Axios.

Why it matters: Going to a game is becoming increasingly unaffordable for some fans, even as demand continues to drive premium pricing.

• Meanwhile, teams are building new stadiums with fewer seats and more luxury amenities.

By the numbers: Average NFL ticket prices sold on Gametime nearly tripled from 2015 to 2025, up 173% after adjusting for inflation.

• Other sports with higher average prices include college football (+119%), MLB (+111%), NBA (+70%), NHL (+65%) and MLS (+22%).

Stunning stats: The most expensive ticket sold through Gametime was $35,165 in 2024 — a Super Bowl club seat on the 50-yard line. Four seats sold together for more than $140,000.

• Meanwhile, premium NBA tickets soared above $20,000 the last two years, and the MLB reached $17,170.

The intrigue: Stadiums are getting smaller and more luxurious, a 20-year trend that shows no signs of reversing course as new stadiums are proposed.

• The new Chiefs stadium is expected to have about 65,000 seats, roughly 15% fewer than Arrowhead. Earlier stadium renovation concepts from 2024 included more suites, clubs and VIP entrances.

Zoom in: The Royals point to discount ticket packages like Dollar Dog Night and the Fountain Pass and say ticket price increases have remained under inflation since 2022.

• Still, Sam Mellinger with the Royals says the expensive Crown Club seats tend to sell out the fastest.
• The Chiefs did not respond to Axios' request for comment.

What they're saying: "The teams have been on a trend of testing out higher prices," Brian Berry, executive director of the Ticket Policy Forum, tells Axios. "Leagues absolutely are interested in maximizing ticket revenue," which is their prerogative, he adds.

• Berry suggests fans wait for resale tickets to come down a month after they go on sale, but says that high-demand games are going to stay expensive.

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Good Karma and The Black Pantry are two businesses under one roof in KC that sell coffee and support Black creators by being intentional about what they stock on the shelves.

Why it matters: We're continuing Axios KC's spotlight on Black-owned businesses with a look at Good Karma, a coffee and retail shop carving out space in a crowded market by leaning into culture, consistency and community.

Zoom in: Brian Roberts, the owner of both businesses, tells Axios his original vision shifted faster than he expected.

• "The Black Pantry was supposed to be the star of the show," he says. "Good Karma was supposed to be an ancillary option."
• Instead, he says, marketing and cultural relevance helped Good Karma stand out in what he calls a "coffee-crazed city."
• On The Black Pantry's shelves is a wide selection of products from Black-owned businesses in town, including wine, candles and books.

Zoom out: Roberts says the businesses choose which products they carry to shape visibility, not just sales.

• "KC was purposely designed to strip fair opportunities from Black and brown communities," he says.
• That's why The Black Pantry, housed inside Good Karma, spotlights products from Black creators.
• "The main product is the feeling you experience here," Roberts says.

What to try: I kept it simple and ordered an iced Americano and a cold brew. Both were smooth, balanced and surprisingly gentle.

💭 My thought bubble: They've also added a killer espresso martini to the menu, one I've had before, but I couldn't quite justify ordering it again at 1pm on a Wednesday.

• This would have been a very interesting article if I had chosen to partake.

🏆 The reigning World Cup champs will camp out in Kansas City this summer, team Argentina announced this week. The news follows reports that England and the Netherlands are also eyeing KC for their base camps. (Kansas City Business Journal)

🗳️ The Kansas House passed a resolution proposing U.S. congressional term limits. If it makes it through the Senate, Kansas could become the 13th state out the 34 needed to launch constitutional amendment proceedings. (Press release)

🔋 The Panasonic plant in De Soto is opening another EV battery line and hiring 100 additional employees. That would bring production up to three lines, although it has room for eight. (Johnson County Post)

Construction began yesterday on a new 2-acre park as part of Current Landing near CPKC Stadium.

Why it matters: It will be the "closest that Kansas Citians can get to the Missouri River" when it's all done, per a statement from the KC Current.

Zoom in: The design aims to beautify the wet part of the levee, currently a no-man's-land of debris and weeds.

• New features include an overlook above the water, a path down to the river's edge, children's play areas and performance spaces.

💭 Travis' thought bubble: Growing up with access to the Mississippi River, I didn't realize how good I had it. This park might just bring me a little closer to home.

Sweethearts conversation hearts — the chalky Valentine's Day staple — are debuting new phrases in 2026 to reflect how inflation and high living costs are reshaping romance.

Why it matters: In this economy, "SPLIT RENT" and "SHARE LOGN" might feel romantic.

💭 Abbey's thought bubble: If Sweethearts really wanted to be honest, they'd just print "DO YOU HAVE A 401(k)" on every heart.

The intrigue: In a Sweethearts survey of 2,000 people (half Gen Z; half millennial), 80% said the economy is impacting their Valentine's Day plans.

Catch up quick: The pastel candies' limited-edition updates often lean into dating trends.

• In 2024, they had blurry messages emblematic of a murky "situationship."
• In 2025, they were scannable, with links to buy heart-shaped headstones.

Go deeper: Send some local love with KC candy makers,