Missouri Governor Mike Parson has revealed that the state is gearing up to propose an aid package by the end of the year, aiming to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. This move comes in response to a significant offer from Kansas, which approved a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for the professional football and baseball teams.
The Chiefs and Royals, both iconic sports franchises, have shared side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City for more than 50 years. Their long-standing stadium leases, however, are set to expire in 2031. Royals owner John Sherman has already declared that the Royals will not extend their stay at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. Given these timelines, the urgency for Missouri to act has become palpable.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters turned down a proposed sales tax, which would have contributed to funding a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The results of this vote have placed additional pressure on Missouri's government to find alternative solutions to keep the teams from crossing the state line.
“We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line,” Parson stated, emphasizing the significance of crafting a competitive and enticing offer. He acknowledged Kansas' initiative, stating, “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.”
The economic and cultural importance of the Chiefs and Royals to Missouri cannot be overstated. “The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business,” Parson declared, underscoring the anticipated benefits for local businesses and economies. However, any proposed measures must be fiscally sound. As Parson noted, the plan “has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri.”
Another layer to this complex situation is Parson's impending departure from office, with his term concluding in January. According to Parson, he does not foresee the necessity of convening a special legislative session before his term ends, placing additional onus on his successor to carry forward any proposals or negotiations.
Meanwhile, developments in other cities showcase the potential paths that Missouri might consider. In Jacksonville, Florida, for instance, a $1.25 billion stadium renovation for the NFL's Jaguars was recently approved. The costs will be shared between the city and the team, providing a possible framework for Missouri's approach to keep their teams rooted in Kansas City.
The Kansas Department of Commerce, which plays a crucial role in finalizing deals, has not yet set a timeline for their decision, leaving room for Missouri to craft a strategic and appealing package. Parson remains optimistic about Missouri's chances of retaining the Chiefs and Royals, confidently stating, “I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place” to propose for the stadiums.
With the clock ticking and the stakes high, the need for swift, decisive action has never been more pressing. The outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly shape the future of sports in Kansas City, impacting not just the teams and their fans, but the broader community and regional economies as well.