Missouri and Kansas in Tug-of-War Over Chiefs and Royals
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is optimistic that the state will propose a robust aid plan by year’s end, aiming to retain both the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within its borders. This move comes as Kansas has already approved a financing scheme that could cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for these beloved teams.
For over half a century, the Chiefs and Royals have shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City, a partnership that has long been a staple of the community. However, with their leases set to expire in 2031, both teams are considering their options—leaving Missouri and Kansas vying to offer the most appealing deals.
Royals owner John Sherman has already indicated that the team plans to leave Kauffman Stadium after the 2030 season, a clear signal that substantial changes are on the horizon for both franchises.
In April, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax measure that would have supported a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. This proposal also included an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium. The lack of voter support for this tax plan has complicated Missouri's efforts to retain both sports teams.
Gov. Parson remains undeterred by this setback. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," he stated confidently, further adding, "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
Nonetheless, any proposal from Missouri to keep the Chiefs and Royals will necessitate both legislative approval and the backing of Parson’s successor, as his term concludes in January. He does not foresee calling a special legislative session to expedite this process.
As Parson explains, "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri." His approach emphasizes the need for a plan that is not just competitive but also fiscally responsible for Missouri residents.
Across the state line, discussions between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could start at any moment, though the agency has not set a timeline for closing any deals. The stakes are high, as both states view keeping these franchises as crucial to their local economies.
The competitive tension is palpable. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson remarked, emphasizing the economic significance of these teams. "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."
Jacksonville’s recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, which splits costs between the city and the team, could serve as a model for potential agreements in Missouri and Kansas. This deal highlights the trend of shared public-private partnerships in retaining major sports franchises.
The future of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals remains uncertain, but what is clear is that both Missouri and Kansas are determined to offer competitive and lucrative deals. As the year progresses, all eyes will be on the developments and negotiations, with fans eagerly awaiting news on where their favorite teams will call home in the near future. Governor Parson is assured that Missouri will put forward an enticing offer, rounding out the competition between the two states. "We're going to be competitive," he insists, underscoring the importance of these sports franchises to the region’s identity and economy.