Missouri's Bid to Keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals
Missouri Governor Mike Parson anticipates that by the close of the year, the state will have formulated an aid plan aimed at retaining the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. With their existing leases set to expire in 2031, both teams are at a pivotal juncture, and discussions about their future homes have intensified.
The neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City have been the shared abode of the Chiefs and Royals for over half a century. However, Royals owner John Sherman has candidly stated that the team has no intentions of playing in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. The urgency to secure new arrangements is palpable, and Missouri faces competition from bordering Kansas.
Kansas has already approved a significant financing scheme, which will cover up to 70% of the costs associated with building new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. This aggressive move underscores the state's commitment to potentially lure the teams away from Missouri.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a proposal for a sales tax that would have helped fund a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and contribute to an $800 million overhaul of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The rejection highlights the financial and political obstacles that Missouri must navigate to secure the teams' future in the state.
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," said Parson, expressing confidence in developing a competitive proposal. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
Any comprehensive plan to retain the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri will necessitate legislative approval. Furthermore, it will require the backing of the governor's successor and the new legislative body, as Parson's term is set to conclude in January. Parson has stated that he does not foresee summoning a special legislative session before his term ends.
The urgency of the situation extends to the Kansas Department of Commerce, which could begin discussions with the teams at any moment, despite having no fixed timeline for concluding a deal. The agency's involvement signifies the high stakes and complexity surrounding the future of these storied franchises.
"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 remarked, acknowledging the competitive nature of securing such high-profile sports teams.
Drawing comparisons, Parson noted Jacksonville's recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, which saw costs split between the city and the team. This example suggests that a similar partnership might be necessary for Missouri to keep its teams.
"The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson emphasized, alluding to the economic and cultural significance of the teams for Missouri. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
With high stakes and intense competition from Kansas, the coming months will be critical for Missouri as it vies to secure the future of the Chiefs and Royals. Governor Parson's commitment and foresight will be instrumental, but the ultimate resolution will hinge on the support of lawmakers and the incoming administration.