Missouri and Kansas Compete to Retain the Chiefs and Royals: Stadium Financing in the Spotlight
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is optimistic about developing a support plan by year's end to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in their current locations. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated, underscoring the state's commitment to retaining its beloved sports franchises.
The competitive landscape was dramatically altered when Kansas approved a financing scheme to cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. This comes as Kansas City's two major league teams face expiring leases in 2031, and both teams are already articulating their future plans. Royals owner John Sherman made the team's intentions crystal clear, stating they have no plans to play in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. Despite these firm stances, the final location and financing of new stadiums remain uncertain.
Earlier this year, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, rejected a sales tax proposal that would have supported an ambitious new ballpark district for the Royals, with costs exceeding $2 billion. This proposal also included an $800 million upgrade for the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The setback underscores the complexities involved in securing public funding for such large-scale projects.
Legislative Approval Awaited
Any effort by Missouri to keep the Chiefs and Royals will not only require legislative approval but also the endorsement of Parson's successor and a new legislative body. Parson signaled a cautious approach, stating, "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place." He does not foresee calling a special legislative session before the end of his term in January, thereby delaying any immediate action on Missouri’s plan to retain its teams.
While Parson prepares for legislative hurdles, Kansas has already positioned itself as a formidable contender. The Kansas Department of Commerce is poised to commence discussions with the Chiefs and Royals at any moment. However, the agency clarified that there is no set timeline to finalize a deal, emphasizing the fluid nature of these high-stakes negotiations.
Competing Against a Neighbor
The dynamics between Missouri and Kansas in this scenario cannot be ignored. Parson acknowledged the competitiveness of the situation, remarking, "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." Given the significant financial stakes, Missouri appears committed to ensuring that the final deal benefits the taxpayers. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson affirmed.
For context, the recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal in Jacksonville for the NFL’s Jaguars offers a glimpse of what might be in store for Kansas City. The Jacksonville deal, which splits costs between the city and the team, demonstrates a viable model for public-private partnerships. Whether Missouri and Kansas will craft similar arrangements remains to be seen.
The Chiefs and Royals have long been fixtures in eastern Kansas City, sharing neighboring stadiums for over half a century. Yet the clock is ticking. With both teams’ leases set to expire in 2031, and the clear indication from the Royals regarding their future plans, the urgency to formulate a concrete strategy is palpable.
As discussions begin to take shape and various proposals are evaluated, the involvement of multiple stakeholders and legislative bodies adds layers of complexity to the process. Whether Missouri can present an attractive enough package remains an open question, but one thing is clear: the battle to keep the Chiefs and Royals has just begun, and both states are preparing for a high-stakes showdown.