Missouri Governor Mike Parson is optimistic about the state's plans to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within its borders, anticipating the creation of an aid package by year’s end. The move comes as neighboring Kansas has already signaled its intention to fund up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for the iconic sports teams.
Stadium History
The Chiefs and Royals have been Kansas City’s athletic stalwarts, sharing adjacent stadiums in the eastern part of the city for over fifty years. However, the clock is ticking on their current leases, which expire in 2031. Royals owner, John Sherman, has unequivocally stated that the team will not be staying in Kauffman Stadium past the 2030 season, putting added pressure on negotiations and planning.
Rejected Proposals and Future Plans
Efforts to modernize Kansas City’s sports infrastructure faced a setback when Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal in April. This plan would have supported a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. With local funding sources in question, state-level intervention seems increasingly critical.
Legislative Hurdles
Although Parson is confident, any proposal to keep the teams in Missouri will require legislative approval and the backing of his successor, as his term ends in January. “We’re going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line,” Parson said, emphasizing the importance of making financially prudent decisions that favor Missouri taxpayers.
Comparative Context
Jacksonville’s recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL’s Jaguars serves as a notable example, with costs split between the city and the team. Missouri could potentially look toward this model as inspiration. Talks between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could happen at any moment, but no timeline has been set for finalizing any agreements.
“I think by the end of this year, we’re going to have something in place,” Parson remarked, reflecting both urgency and optimism. “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 stakes are high, given the cultural and economic significance of the Chiefs and Royals. “The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business,” Parson noted, a sentiment likely shared by many in the region who see these teams as integral parts of the community.
Ultimately, the future of the teams in Missouri boils down to crafting a deal that is sustainable and beneficial for taxpayers. “Has to work out on paper, where it’s going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri,” Parson concluded, emphasizing the necessity for a balanced approach to the upcoming financial decisions.