Missouri Governor Mike Parson has initiated a strategic push to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from potentially relocating to Kansas. In a recent announcement, Parson detailed plans for the state to craft an incentive package by the end of the year aimed at retaining the two iconic sports franchises.
Competition Across the Border
The urgency stems from Kansas' aggressive move to approve a plan that would finance up to 70% of the costs associated with new stadiums for the teams. For more than 50 years, the Chiefs and Royals have shared side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City, Missouri, but the future of these arrangements is in jeopardy. Both teams' stadium leases run until 2031, yet Royals owner John Sherman has declared that the team will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
In a proactive response, Missouri aims to create a competitive bid that will appeal to the franchises and their stakeholders. As Governor Parson puts it, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line." He acknowledged Kansas' efforts, stating, "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."
Failed Funding Efforts
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a proposed sales tax that would have generated funds for more than $2 billion in new infrastructure, including a downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This development has accelerated the need for alternative funding solutions.
Governor Parson highlighted the significance of retaining these franchises: "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business." He underscored the importance of securing a viable financial plan that benefits the Missouri taxpayers, adding, "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
State Movements and Timelines
While Parson's term as governor ends in January and he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before he leaves office, he is optimistic about the timeline for the proposed solution. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Commerce has yet to establish a definitive timeline for finalizing its own deal, leaving some uncertainty in the overall competitive landscape. However, Parson remains confident in Missouri's ability to present an attractive offer that matches or exceeds Kansas' proposal.
A Broader Context
The conversation surrounding stadium renovations and relocations is part of a broader trend in sports management. For example, in Jacksonville, Florida, a $1.25 billion renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars stadium was recently approved, with costs being split between the city and the team.
Missouri's quest to retain the Chiefs and Royals will be a pivotal chapter in the ongoing saga of professional sports infrastructure. As the state prepares to formulate its aid package, stakeholders and fans alike will closely watch the negotiations unfold, hoping for a resolution that keeps Kansas City's sports legacy intact.