Missouri Governor Mike Parson has unveiled that the state aims to assemble an aid package by the end of the year in a bid to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from relocating across the border to Kansas. This announcement follows Kansas's approval of a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost associated with building new stadiums for the professional football and baseball teams.
The Chiefs and Royals, both established fixtures in Kansas City, have shared side-by-side stadiums for over five decades. Currently, their leases extend until 2031. However, Royals owner John Sherman has openly declared that the team will not continue playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, which adds urgency to Missouri's efforts to keep the teams within the state.
Jackson County Voters Reject Tax Proposal
In a notable development, Jackson County voters turned down a sales tax proposal back in April. This tax was intended to help fund a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The rejection of this proposal places additional pressure on state officials to find alternative means of securing the necessary funding.
Competitive Landscape
Governor Parson acknowledged the competitive landscape created by Kansas's aggressive financing offer. "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," Parson stated, emphasizing the high stakes involved.
Parson remains optimistic about Missouri's prospects. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," he said, aiming to ensure that any proposed agreement benefits Missouri taxpayers. "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson added, underscoring the importance of a financially sound proposal.
Deadline Looms
With Parson’s term ending in January, he asserted that there are no plans to call a special legislative session before his departure. Despite the tight deadline, Parson is hopeful. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he noted.
Comparative Case: Jacksonville's Stadium Plan
Interestingly, the dynamics at play in Kansas City find a parallel in Jacksonville, Florida. On Tuesday, Jacksonville approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars. The costs are to be split between the city and the team, representing a collaborative approach that Missouri might look to emulate.
While the Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a timeline for finalizing their deal, the hope remains that Missouri can craft a proposal persuasive enough to keep both the Chiefs and Royals in their long-time home. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson remarked, acknowledging the significant economic and cultural impact these teams have on the state.
As Missouri moves forward in its efforts to retain these beloved franchises, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the state's proposal can compete with Kansas's ambitious offer. Fans and stakeholders alike will be closely monitoring the developments, hoping for a resolution that preserves the rich sports heritage of Kansas City.