The state of Missouri is gearing up to craft an aid plan aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within its borders. According to Governor Mike Parson, the state hopes to have a concrete proposal ready by the end of the year to counter Kansas' aggressive financing offer, which covers up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams.
The stakes are high for Missouri as the Chiefs and Royals, sporting entities that have shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over half a century, will see their leases expire in 2031. Royals owner John Sherman has already stated unequivocally that the team intends to vacate Kauffman Stadium after the 2030 season, increasing the urgency for Missouri to act swiftly.
Rejected Sales Tax Proposal
In April, Jackson County voters turned down a sales tax proposal that aimed to fund a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. The same proposal would have also supported an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This rejection adds another layer of complexity to Missouri’s bid to retain its teams, requiring a new approach and broader support.
Legislative Approval Needed
Any aid proposal from Missouri will need legislative approval and the backing of Parson's successor, along with the new legislative body. Parson himself does not see a special legislative session happening before his term ends in January. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," he states. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
Kansas' Strategic Moves
Kansas is not wasting any time and has indicated that discussions between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could commence at any moment. However, the department has not set a timeline for finalizing a deal. This uncertainty opens a window for Missouri to present a competitive offer. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson admits, underscoring the significance of these franchises to the local economy.
Jacksonville's Precedent
Drawing parallels with other cities, Jacksonville recently secured a $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL’s Jaguars, which splits the costs between the city and the team. This example serves as a potential model for Missouri's approach to negotiating with the Chiefs and Royals. Parson emphasizes the importance of ensuring the deal benefits Missouri taxpayers: "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
The Path Forward
Missouri faces a challenging road ahead as it seeks to retain the Chiefs and Royals. The urgency of the situation is compounded by Kansas' aggressive financing offer and the ticking clock on the teams’ existing leases. "You know, if I was probably sitting there, I'd be doing the same thing," Parson reflects on Kansas' proactive stance. "But at the end of the day, we're going to be competitive."
As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Missouri's legislative body and Gov. Parson's successor to see if they can muster the political will and financial resources to secure the future of these beloved teams in Kansas City. With discussions imminent and no specific timeline set, the forthcoming months could be pivotal in shaping the sports landscape of the region for decades to come.