Missouri Governor Mike Parson has expressed optimism that the state will finalize an aid plan by the end of the year to retain two of Kansas City's premier sports franchises, the Chiefs and the Royals. This comes in light of Kansas' approval of a substantial financing scheme, which will cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams.
The Future of the Chiefs and the Royals
The Chiefs and the Royals have been iconic staples of eastern Kansas City, sharing neighboring stadiums for over half a century. However, with their leases set to expire in 2031, the future of these teams’ home venues hangs in the balance. Royals owner John Sherman has already made it clear that the team will not be playing in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, adding urgency to the situation.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal that aimed to support a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. The same proposal would have also contributed to an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium, adding another layer of complexity to the discussions.
Political and Legislative Hurdles
Any proposal for Missouri to retain the sports teams will necessitate legislative approval as well as the backing of Parson's successor and a new legislative body. Governor Parson has indicated that he does not foresee calling a special legislative session before his term concludes in January. This means that the task will fall to the next administration to bring any potential deal to fruition.
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated, demonstrating his commitment to keeping the teams in Missouri. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," he added, reinforcing his optimistic outlook.
Comparative Deals and Economic Impact
Drawing comparisons with other recent stadium deals, such as Jacksonville's $1.25 billion stadium renovation for the NFL's Jaguars, could provide a potential framework for Missouri. Jacksonville’s deal splits the costs between the city and the team, suggesting a similar approach could be feasible for the Chiefs and Royals. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson emphasized, highlighting the significant economic impact these teams have on the region.
Governor Parson recognizes the competitive nature of this undertaking. "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," he commented, acknowledging Kansas’ aggressive financing offer, while asserting Missouri's intent to present an equally compelling proposition.
The discussions between the sports teams and the Kansas Department of Commerce could begin at any moment, though the agency has not established a timeline for finalizing a deal. This uncertainty adds another dimension to the task, as both states vie for a lucrative future with these major league teams.
Ultimately, Parson's insistence that any deal must be beneficial to Missouri taxpayers remains a focal point. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he affirmed, ensuring that financial prudence will guide any proposals moving forward.
In the coming months, the intricate negotiations and legislative maneuvers will unfold, determining whether the Chiefs and the Royals will call Missouri or Kansas their home for the next era of their storied histories.