Missouri's Strategic Moves to Keep Chiefs and Royals in State
As 2031 approaches, the year when the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals' leases will expire, both Missouri and Kansas are ramping up efforts to retain these iconic sports franchises. Missouri Governor Mike Parson is spearheading a strategic aid plan to ensure the teams remain on Missouri soil. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," stated Parson, indicating his commitment to this significant endeavor.
Kansas, a keen contender, has already approved a generous financing plan, willing to cover up to 70% of costs for new stadiums. This aggressive move places Missouri in a position where competitiveness is key. "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," Parson remarked, acknowledging the inevitability of a bidding war to retain these profitable franchises.
Both teams have shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over fifty years. With the Royals owner, John Sherman, announcing intentions to vacate Kauffman Stadium after the 2030 season, this urgency is well-founded. The Royals are seeking a fresh start, and Kansas seems ready to welcome them with open arms, if Missouri's plans fall through.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have funded a massive $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation for the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium. This setback complicates Missouri’s task, but Parson is optimistic. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," he mentioned, projecting confidence in Missouri’s ability to formulate a compelling proposal.
Any comprehensive plan to retain these sports franchises will require not only keen strategizing but also substantial legislative backing. Parson acknowledges that this process will extend beyond his term. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he said, emphasizing the need for a balanced and practical solution.
Furthermore, there is no expectation for Parson to summon a special legislative session prior to his departure from office in January, placing the responsibility on his successor and the new legislative body to see this mission through. The complexities of such an undertaking are clear, with many local and state-level stakeholders needing to align interests amid political and financial challenges.
Elsewhere, the city of Jacksonville recently inked a $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal with the NFL's Jaguars, sharing costs between the city and the team. This deal showcases a collaborative model that Missouri might look to emulate. Parson pointed out, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," summarizing why both states are so invested in the outcome.
On the Kansas side, discussions between the Chiefs, Royals, and the Kansas Department of Commerce could begin imminently, with no set timeline for concluding a deal. This looming threat necessitates swift and decisive action from Missouri. As tensions rise and deadlines approach, the decisions made in the coming months will undoubtedly shape the future of professional sports in Kansas City.
Missouri's window to craft a competitive, viable financial package is narrowing quickly. Parson remains focused on ensuring any deal benefits Missouri taxpayers, balancing the scales between economic benefits and fiscal responsibility. As fans and stakeholders await developments, one thing is certain: both states are deeply committed to winning this high-stakes game of sports franchise retention.