Missouri Faces Battle to Retain Chiefs and Royals
Missouri Governor Mike Parson is setting the stage for a significant sports retention plan, aiming to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state. Parson has indicated that by the end of the year, the state will have a concrete proposal on the table to counter Kansas' robust financing scheme, which promises to cover up to 70% of the costs of new stadiums for both teams.
For over fifty years, the Chiefs and Royals have shared adjacent stadiums in eastern Kansas City. However, with their leases expiring by 2031, the urgency to formulate a new plan is palpable. Royals owner John Sherman has already stated that the team plans to vacate Kauffman Stadium after the 2030 season. This adds pressure on Missouri to come up with a viable solution that satisfies both teams and benefits the taxpayers.
In April, Jackson County voters rejected a crucial sales tax proposal. The measure was intended to support more than $2 billion for a downtown ballpark district for the Royals, as well as contribute to an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. Despite this setback, Gov. Parson remains undeterred. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson asserted.
Yet, any ambitious plan to keep the sports giants in Missouri will require legislative approval from Parson's successor and a new legislative body, as Parson does not intend to call a special legislative session before his term ends in January. His successor will need to navigate the tightrope of public opinion and legislative complexity to propose a successful deal.
Across the state line, Kansas is preparing to make a strong bid. Talks between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could start at any moment. For now, the agency has not set a timeline for finalizing any agreements. The significant commitment from Kansas has put pressure on Missouri to offer a competitive package that ensures the teams stay put. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," Parson optimistically noted.
The recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal in Jacksonville for the NFL's Jaguars, which divides costs between the city and the team, underscores the competitive nature of these large-scale projects. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson emphasized, acknowledging the financial and cultural importance of retaining the teams in Missouri.
As discussions progress, balancing the interests of the teams and the taxpayers will be crucial. "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson stated. This balancing act will determine if Missouri can indeed present an offer competitive enough to keep the Chiefs and Royals within state lines.
The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking. With Kansas ready to finance a large portion of the stadium costs and the teams' current leases set to expire at the end of the decade, Missouri's task is formidable. But as Parson confidently put it, "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 months ahead will reveal whether Missouri can rise to the challenge and retain its prized sports franchises.