Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced plans to develop an aid package by the end of the year to prevent the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from relocating to Kansas. This statement comes in response to Kansas approving a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for the two professional sports franchises.
Both the Chiefs and Royals have been iconic fixtures in eastern Kansas City, playing in their adjacent stadiums for over 50 years. However, the stadium leases are set to expire in 2031, and the Royals' owner John Sherman has publicly declared that the team will not continue playing at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Jackson County voters recently rejected a sales tax proposal in April, which would have contributed to funding a significant $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation for the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This adds to the urgency for Missouri to come up with a competitive aid package to retain its sports franchises.
Governor Parson's Commitment
Governor Parson, whose term concludes in January, emphasized the importance of formulating a substantial deal. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated. He expressed a sense of competitiveness regarding the situation, remarking, "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 acknowledged the significant economic impact of the Chiefs and Royals, calling them "big business." He also underscored the necessity for any proposed package to be financially viable for Missouri taxpayers, saying, "It has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
No Special Legislative Session Anticipated
Despite the pressing timeline, Parson indicated that he does not foresee calling a special legislative session 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, Parson mentioned, underlining his confidence in reaching a solution without the need for an extraordinary legislative measure.
Comparative Developments
As Missouri grapples with retaining its sports teams, other regions are also making moves. For instance, Jacksonville, Florida, recently approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars, with costs split between the city and the team. Such developments showcase the broader trend of cities committing substantial resources to keep their professional sports franchises.
Uncertain Timeline from Kansas
While Missouri is set on finalizing a deal by the year's end, the Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a specific timeline for concluding their negotiations. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
In the midst of these strategic maneuvers, the ultimate goal remains clear: to ensure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals continue to be a proud part of Missouri's sporting landscape for the foreseeable future. The efforts led by Governor Parson reflect a broader recognition of the economic and cultural significance that these teams hold for the state and its residents.