Missouri Governor Moves to Keep Chiefs and Royals from Crossing State Lines
In a significant development for sports fans in Missouri, Governor Mike Parson has announced plans to develop an aid package aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving across the border to Kansas. This initiative comes as Kansas approved a financing plan to cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for the professional football and baseball teams.
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," said Parson. The motivation behind this aggressive strategy is clear: "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business."
For over 50 years, the Chiefs and Royals have called side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City their home. With their leases running until 2031, there's a pressing need for Missouri to offer a competitive package to keep them anchored. Royals owner John Sherman has already stated that the team will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, adding urgency to the situation.
Earlier this year, efforts to finance local stadium renovations hit a roadblock. Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal in April that would have funded a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. In light of this setback, Parson's new aid package could be a critical move to keep the teams in Missouri.
Parson acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for a deal that doesn't burden Missouri taxpayers excessively. "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he asserted.
The urgency of the situation is further underscored by the recent developments in Jacksonville, Florida. On Tuesday, a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars was approved, with costs split between the city and the team. This example of successful public-private partnership may set a precedent for what Missouri aims to achieve.
As Parson's term ends in January, he mentioned that he does not foresee calling a special legislative session before he leaves office. This timeline leaves a narrow window for the current administration to finalize the aid package. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," Parson stated, expressing cautious optimism about reaching a deal soon.
The Kansas Department of Commerce has yet to set a timeline for finalizing its own deal, creating an environment of uncertainty. This delayed timeline may work in Missouri's favor, allowing the state to put forth a competitive offer. "Look, I can't blame Kansas for trying. 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, highlighting the interstate rivalry that adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
As both states vie for the lucrative presence of the Chiefs and Royals, the coming months will be critical in determining the future homes of these iconic teams. Missouri’s strategic moves and the ensuing decisions will be watched closely by sports enthusiasts and business stakeholders alike.