Missouri Gears Up to Present Aid Package for Chiefs and Royals to Retain Them in the State
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has unveiled plans for the state to develop an aid package designed to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from relocating to Kansas. This announcement comes in response to Kansas's approval of a proposal to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for both professional teams.
For over half a century, the Chiefs and Royals have shared side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City, becoming ingrained in the local community's fabric. However, with their leases set to expire in 2031 and Kansas offering a lucrative deal, Missouri faces a pressing need to act. Royals owner John Sherman has already made clear that the Royals will not continue playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Earlier this year, an attempt by Jackson County, Missouri, to fund a substantial renovation and development project faced a significant setback. Voters rejected a sales tax proposal in April that would have supported a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals along with an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This rejection has heightened the urgency for a viable alternative solution to be presented by state officials.
Governor Parson, whose term concludes in January, has expressed his commitment to drafting a competitive offer that would prevent the teams from crossing state lines. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated. He acknowledges Kansas’s proactive stance, saying, "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."
The importance of keeping the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri cannot be overstated. Parson emphasized their significance, noting, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business." The governor underscored the importance of a deal that is financially beneficial for Missouri taxpayers, stating, "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
Governor Parson's optimism extends to the timeline for the state's aid package proposal, with an expectation to have a plan formulated by the year's end. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he mentioned.
Contrasts can be drawn with developments in other cities. For instance, Jacksonville, Florida recently reached an agreement for a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars. This plan, approved on Tuesday, has its costs split between the city and the team, showcasing how other regions are navigating the financing of sports infrastructure.
With Parson's term soon ending, he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before his departure. Consequently, the pressure mounts on Missouri’s lawmakers and community leaders to devise a compelling and feasible financial package to assure the Chiefs and Royals remain local mainstays.
Uncertainty also looms over the Kansas Department of Commerce, as it has not yet set a timeline for finalizing its deal. This aspect may play into Missouri's hands, giving the state additional time to craft and propose a competitive aid package that meets the demands of both teams and taxpayers.
As the drama unfolds, the future location of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals remains a focal point for fans and officials alike. The challenge lies in balancing the economic and cultural ramifications while ensuring that the professional football and baseball franchises continue to be part of Missouri’s sports landscape.