Missouri Fights to Keep Chiefs and Royals Amid Kansas' Aggressive Pursuit
Missouri Governor Mike Parson is optimistic about the state's ability to craft an aid plan by the year's end that will retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. This ambitious move comes in the wake of Kansas approving a financing scheme that would cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for the two teams.
The Chiefs and Royals, having shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over half a century, find themselves at a significant juncture with their leases expiring in 2031. Royals owner John Sherman has unambiguously stated that the team has no intentions of playing in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, adding urgency to the matter.
Earlier this year, efforts to fund new sporting facilities faced a setback when Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal aimed at supporting a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. The same proposal also planned to contribute to an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
Governor Parson elaborated on the stakes involved, emphasizing, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line. I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place." His optimism, however, is tempered by the practical challenges ahead. "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 added, acknowledging Kansas' aggressive pursuit.
Securing these teams will require legislative approval, and Parson’s successor, along with the new legislative body, will play pivotal roles in this initiative. Despite the urgency, Parson does not foresee calling a special legislative session before his term concludes in January.
"The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson noted, indicating the economic implications of retaining the teams. This sentiment is underscored by Jacksonville's recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, where costs were split between the city and the team, illustrating the scale of investment necessary for such undertakings.
The discussions between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce are imminent, and while there is no set timeline for finalizing a deal, the clock is ticking. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson added, highlighting the need for a financially sound plan that justifies taxpayer investment.
As the battle for the Chiefs and Royals intensifies, both Missouri and Kansas are preparing to put forth their best offers to ensure their respective states are seen as the most viable options. For Missouri, the retention of these iconic teams is more than just a matter of state pride—it's about securing significant economic benefits and preserving a rich sporting legacy.
In conclusion, while much remains uncertain, one fact is clear: both Missouri and Kansas recognize the immense value that the Chiefs and Royals bring, and the coming months will be crucial in determining where these historical franchises will call home in the future.