Missouri Prepares to Compete for Chiefs and Royals Amid Kansas Incentives
In a high-stakes battle to retain their historic sports franchises, Missouri Governor Mike Parson is gearing up for a significant aid plan aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within the state. With the potential move of these iconic teams to Kansas on the horizon, Parson anticipates a robust strategy will be set in motion by the end of the year.
As Kansas has already approved a financing plan to cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams, Missouri faces fierce competition. Parson expressed his determination, stating, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line." He continues, "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
The Chiefs and Royals, who have shared adjacent stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over fifty years, face leases that are set to expire in 2031. The threat of relocation becomes even more tangible as Royals owner John Sherman has already declared his intention to move the team out of Kauffman Stadium following the 2030 season.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have supported over $2 billion for a downtown ballpark district for the Royals. This plan also included an $800 million renovation for the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The failure of this sales tax proposal has put additional pressure on Missouri lawmakers to find alternative funding solutions.
Parson emphasized the importance of creating a deal that benefits Missouri residents. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he noted, highlighting the delicate balance required in any proposed agreement. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson added, underlining the economic and cultural significance of these teams to the state.
Any proposal to keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri will necessitate legislative approval and support from Parson's successor, as well as the new legislative body. With his term ending in January, Parson does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before his departure.
Meanwhile, comparisons have been drawn to Jacksonville’s recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, where costs are shared between the city and the team. This agreement serves as a potential model, demonstrating that collaborative efforts can be reached under the right circumstances.
In the ongoing tug-of-war for these teams, discussions between the Chiefs, Royals, and the Kansas Department of Commerce could begin at any time. However, the department has not set a deadline for concluding any deals, adding an element of uncertainty to the situation.
As the political and economic landscape continues to evolve, both Missouri and Kansas are making their moves to secure the future of the Chiefs and Royals. "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 asserted, signaling Missouri's readiness to compete vigorously for their prized sports teams.