Missouri's Efforts to Retain Chiefs and Royals Intensify
With the clock ticking on their leases, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals find themselves at the heart of a high-stakes battle for their future homes. Missouri Governor Mike Parson has expressed optimism that, by the end of the year, the state will have a solid aid plan in place to keep the beloved sports teams within Missouri’s borders.
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson assured. Yet, he acknowledged the competitive landscape, stating, "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."
Adding fuel to the fire, Kansas recently approved a financing scheme that covers up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams. This aggressive move has raised the stakes, putting additional pressure on Missouri to craft an equally compelling proposition.
The Chiefs and Royals have long been staples of the Kansas City sports scene, sharing neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over half a century. However, as their leases edge towards expiration in 2031, the future of these iconic franchises becomes ever more uncertain. Royals owner John Sherman has explicitly stated that the team has no plans to play in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Earlier this year, efforts to secure funding for new facilities hit a significant snag. Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal in April that would have financed over $2 billion for a downtown ballpark district for the Royals. The proposal also included contributions towards an $800 million revamp of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
Despite the setback, Governor Parson remains committed to finding a feasible solution. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," he said, underscoring his determination to retain both franchises.
Any proposal crafted by Missouri will require legislative approval, which adds another layer of complexity to the equation. With Parson's term concluding in January, the onus will be on his successor and the new legislative body to move forward with any plans developed. Parson has indicated that he does not foresee calling a special legislative session before his term ends.
The urgency is palpable, given that discussions between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could commence at any moment. While the agency has no fixed timeline for finalizing a deal, the proactive stance Kansas has taken heightens the need for Missouri to act swiftly and decisively.
Reflectively, Parson noted, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," underlining the significant economic and cultural impact these teams have on the state. The recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal in Jacksonville, which splits costs between the city and the NFL’s Jaguars, demonstrates that significant investments can indeed be shared responsibilities. Yet, Parson is keenly aware that any such proposal has to be carefully calculated. "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he emphasized.
For Kansas City sports fans, the prospect of losing either team is unthinkable. The Chiefs, reigning champions with a fervently loyal fanbase, and the Royals, cherished for their historic World Series victories, are cornerstones of the community. The coming months will be crucial as Missouri strives to produce a viable and attractive proposal, ensuring that these stalwarts of Kansas City sports remain where they belong.