Missouri Contemplates Aid to Retain Chiefs and Royals as Kansas Offers Financing
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has high hopes that by the end of this year, the state will have formulated a strategic aid plan to retain its storied sports franchises, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. This comes amid growing competition from Kansas, which has already lighted up a financing scheme covering up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.
For more than half a century, the Chiefs and Royals have shared neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City. However, the clock is ticking as their current leases are set to expire in 2031. Royals owner John Sherman has stated that the team has no intentions of playing in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, adding urgency to the discussions.
One recent setback came in April when Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have helped finance a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. This proposal also included contributions towards an $800 million makeover of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
Any new proposal from Missouri to keep these sports teams within the state would not only require legislative approval but also the support of Parson's successor and a new legislative body. Parson does not see a special legislative session being called before his term concludes in January. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," he stated, emphasizing the importance of a competitive and beneficial solution. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
Jacksonville's recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, which splits costs between the city and the team, sets a recent precedent that Missouri might take into consideration. Parson highlighted the need to ensure any deal benefits Missouri taxpayers, "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri." This pragmatic approach underscores the complexity of these negotiations.
Meanwhile, Kansas appears to be gearing up for discussions that could start at any moment, initiated by their Department of Commerce. The agency, however, has not set a timeline for finalizing any deal. This open-ended timeline keeps the conversation fluid, with both states vying to retain these commercial and cultural assets.
"The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson commented, acknowledging the economic stakes. The battle to retain these teams is more than just about sports; it's about the significant business that comes with them. The governor expressed understanding of Kansas' aggressive approach, "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."
As the year draws to a close, all eyes will be on Missouri's ability to craft a compelling aid package to keep the Chiefs and Royals within state lines. With legislative support pending and Kansas ramping up its efforts, the final outcomes remain uncertain but crucial.