Missouri's Bid to Retain Kansas City's Iconic Sports Teams
As the clock ticks towards the end of 2023, Missouri Governor Mike Parson is pushing for a comprehensive aid plan aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within the state. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated, underscoring the economic and cultural significance of the teams to Missouri.
The urgency is palpable. Recent developments have added pressure on Missouri to act swiftly. Kansas has already approved a substantial financing scheme that would cover up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for both the Chiefs and Royals. Parson remains optimistic, expecting a concrete plan by the year's end: "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
For over five decades, the Chiefs and Royals have shared adjacent stadiums in eastern Kansas City. With their leases set to expire in 2031, conversations about their future homes are becoming more pressing. Royals owner John Sherman has been unequivocal about the team's intentions, making it clear they won't be playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Attempts to resolve the issue have already faced setbacks. In April, Jackson County voters struck down a sales tax proposal that would have supported the creation of a $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and contributed $800 million for an overhaul of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This defeat has complicated Missouri’s efforts to retain these franchises, making legislative approval for any new proposal even more critical.
Securing the teams will not be an easy feat. Any viable plan will require the endorsement of not only Parson's successor but also the incoming legislative body. Parson indicated that he does not foresee a special legislative session before his term concludes in January, leaving the heavy lifting to the next administration.
Meanwhile, comparisons are being drawn to Jacksonville’s recent $1.25 billion stadium renovation deal for the NFL's Jaguars, which featured an equitable cost split between the city and the team. Parson emphasized the need for Missouri's plan to be economically viable, stating, "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
The stakes are high, and negotiations could commence at any moment with the Kansas Department of Commerce, although no timeline for finalizing a deal has been established. "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 remarked, reflecting his realistic yet determined outlook.
Indeed, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are more than just sports teams; they are embedded in the fabric of the community, generating significant economic activity and regional pride. As Parson aptly put it, "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business." The impending decisions will shape the region's sports landscape for decades to come.
With Missouri and Kansas both vying to host these iconic franchises, the final months of 2023 will undoubtedly be crucial. The challenge for Missouri will be to devise a compelling, financially sound proposal that garners the necessary political backing while ensuring a favorable outcome for its taxpayers. The game is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.