Missouri is gearing up to craft an aid package by the end of the year aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from being lured across the state line to Kansas. Governor Mike Parson unveiled the state's intentions following Kansas's approval of a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for both professional football and baseball teams.
Kansas’s aggressive stadium financing plan has put pressure on Missouri to respond. Both the Chiefs and the Royals have a storied history in Kansas City, with each team playing for more than five decades in adjacent stadiums on the eastern side of the city. However, with stadium leases running only until 2031, the question of their futures looms large, especially after John Sherman, owner of the Royals, stated the team would not be playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
A State Response in Motion
As Kansas acts decisively, Governor Parson is trying to ensure that Missouri remains competitive. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson said, acknowledging the need to appeal to the sentiments and financial interests of both teams.
Despite understanding Kansas’s motivations, Parson remains committed to retaining these major franchises in Missouri. "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," he remarked, underscoring the significance of the teams to the state's economy and community spirit.
Challenges Amidst Progress
The path forward won't be straightforward. Earlier this year, Jackson County, Missouri voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have contributed over $2 billion to a new downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The defeat of this proposal signifies the challenges ahead in terms of gathering both political and public support for any new funding initiatives.
Parson, whose term concludes in January, “does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before he leaves office.” Time is therefore of the essence for Missouri’s lawmakers to bridge political divides and reach a consensus that ensures the financial viability of keeping these franchises rooted in Kansas City.
Other Cities Set Precedents
The situation in Missouri draws some parallels to recent events in other cities. In Jacksonville, Florida, a $1.25 billion renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars stadium was recently approved, with the costs split between the city and the team. This forms a compelling precedent for Missouri as it looks to shape its own deal.
Governor Parson appeared optimistic about the prospects of proposing a solution within the year. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to keep the stadiums' financial sustainability and the teams' tenancy in Missouri secure. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson added.
Taxpayers in Focus
However, Parson emphasized the importance of ensuring any deal is beneficial to Missouri’s taxpayers. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he highlighted, indicating that the economic interests of the citizens will play a critical role in the formulation of the aid package.
The Kansas Department of Commerce has yet to establish a timeline for finalizing their deal, thereby giving Missouri a critical window to make its case. As deliberations continue on both sides of the state line, fans and local businesses await anxiously, fully aware of the immense impact these teams have on Kansas City's identity and economy.
As 2023 progresses, the efforts to keep the Chiefs and Royals in their homes will become a focal point for sports, economic, and political discussions in the region. The stakes are high, and Missouri is prepared to go the distance to ensure their legacy and future in Kansas City remain intact.