Missouri Gears Up to Keep Chiefs and Royals Home
In a strategic move to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from crossing state lines, Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced plans to formulate an aid package by the end of the year. The effort comes in response to Kansas's recent approval of a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for the professional football and baseball teams.
Both the Chiefs and Royals have called side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City home for over 50 years. However, with current leases set to expire in 2031, the future of these iconic teams in Missouri has been cast into uncertainty. Royals owner John Sherman has been particularly vocal, stating that the team will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Missouri faced a significant setback earlier this year when Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have funded a $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The rejection has complicated efforts to secure the teams' future in their current location.
Governor Parson, whose term ends in January, remains confident in Missouri's ability to present a competitive offer. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated. He acknowledged Kansas's aggressive bid but emphasized Missouri's commitment to retaining the teams. "Look, I can't blame Kansas for trying. You know, if I was probably sitting there, I'd be doing the same thing. But at the end of the day, we're going to be competitive."
Parson is mindful of the financial implications for Missouri's taxpayers, stating, "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri." Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about finding a viable solution. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he added.
The Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a timeline for finalizing a deal, adding another layer of complexity to the cross-border competition. In contrast, Jacksonville, Florida, recently approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars, with costs split between the city and the team—a potential model that Missouri may consider.
As the clock ticks down on Parson's term, the urgency to secure a deal mounts. While a special legislative session before his departure seems unlikely, the governor's commitment to keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri is unwavering. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson remarked, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of the teams to the state.
The outcome of these negotiations will undeniably shape the future of professional sports in Missouri. With high stakes and limited time, all eyes are on Parson and his administration to deliver a deal that satisfies all parties involved.