Missouri's pursuit to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within its borders has seen heightened activity as Gov. Mike Parson anticipates solidifying an aid plan by the end of the year. Amidst the developments, Kansas has already taken substantial steps by approving a financing scheme covering up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams.
For over fifty years, the Chiefs and Royals have shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City, but their leases are set to expire in 2031. Royals owner John Sherman has clearly stated that the team will not continue playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, further increasing the urgency for Missouri to craft a viable proposal.
Gov. Parson's administration faces significant hurdles, especially after Jackson County voters in April rejected a sales tax proposal. This proposal was intended to support a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and contribute to an $800 million revamp of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
Aid Plan Underway
Despite these challenges, Parson remains optimistic, stating, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line." He believes that by the end of this year, a plan will be in place to retain the sports teams. He emphasized the importance of competitiveness, noting, "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."
The potential aid plan, however, requires legislative approval and would need the endorsement of Parson's successor and the new legislative body. Parson, whose term concludes in January, does not foresee calling a special legislative session before his departure.
Financial Models Compared
In assessing potential solutions, Missouri might look to Jacksonville's recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, which splits costs evenly between the city and the team. Such models could provide a framework, yet Parson stressed that any agreement must be "beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
Kansas Steps Forward
On the other side of the state line, Kansas has moved swiftly, approving a financing scheme that could cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums. Discussions between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the sports teams could begin at any moment, although the agency has set no specific timeline for completing a deal.
Given the teams' long-standing presence and substantial economic impact, Gov. Parson underscored their significance, stating, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business." Retaining these teams is not just a matter of civic pride but also an economic imperative for Missouri.
As the deadline draws near, the decisions made within the next few months will carry profound implications for the future of these storied franchises. With legislative and logistical hurdles still to address, Missouri's efforts reflect the broader, high-stakes game of securing and sustaining major league sports teams in a fiercely competitive landscape.