Missouri Races Against Kansas to Keep Chiefs and Royals
As the competition intensifies between Missouri and Kansas for the loyalty of two major professional sports teams, Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced an ambitious aid package aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and the Royals within state borders. Speaking on the matter, Parson affirmed, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line."
The urgency stems from Kansas’ aggressive move to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums, making a strong play to lure the teams away from Missouri. Given that both teams have shared side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over 50 years, this bid from Kansas poses a significant threat to Missouri’s sporting legacy.
With the stadium leases for the Chiefs and Royals set to expire in 2031, the situation has become more pressing since Royals owner John Sherman declared that the team would not continue to play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. This has left Missouri scrambling for solutions to ensure the teams remain on their turf.
Parson acknowledged the competitive nature of the interstate rivalry, 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."
In April, Jackson County, Missouri, voters rejected a sales tax proposal that would have significantly contributed to a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This setback added to the challenges Missouri faces in retaining these major sports franchises.
The situation brings to light a broader context where other U.S. cities are also making substantial investments in their sports infrastructure. For example, Jacksonville, Florida, recently approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars, with costs equally split between the city and the team. Such undertakings set a precedent that Missouri will likely need to consider if they hope to keep the Chiefs and Royals.
Parson, whose term ends in January, emphasized the importance of formulating a viable plan before he leaves office. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place to propose for the stadiums," he assured. Despite the looming deadline, Parson does not intend to call a special legislative session before his term concludes.
Throughout his remarks, Parson stressed the importance of the Chiefs and Royals to Missouri’s economy and identity, stating, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business." Despite the pressures from Kansas, he remains optimistic that Missouri can craft a competitive package. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he noted, stressing financial prudence in the state's approach.
Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Commerce has yet to set a timeline for finalizing their proposals, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations. As both states vie for the future of these storied franchises, what remains clear is that the decision will have long-lasting implications for the region’s sports landscape.