Missouri's high-stakes effort to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals has entered a critical phase, with Governor Mike Parson predicting an aid plan will be in place by the end of the year. The state's urgency is justifiable, given Kansas has already approved a financing plan covering up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for both teams.
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated, underscoring Missouri's competitive stance. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place."
The Chiefs and Royals have long been pillars of the Kansas City sports landscape, sharing neighboring stadiums in eastern Kansas City for over half a century. However, the clock is ticking as their current leases expire in 2031, with Royals owner John Sherman stating unequivocally that the team has no plans to play in Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. This adds urgency to the discussions on both sides of the state line.
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax proposal aimed at funding a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals. The same proposal also sought to contribute to an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The setback has left Missouri scrambling for alternative solutions to keep their beloved teams from considering relocation.
"Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson emphasized, highlighting the delicate balance between securing the teams and ensuring taxpayer benefits.
Kansas' Bold Move
The Kansas Department of Commerce's aggressive financing scheme changes the stakes significantly. Kansas' plan, which covers as much as 70% of the costs for new stadiums, makes it an attractive alternative for the teams. The Chiefs and Royals could potentially move their bases to the other side of the state line, adding another level of complexity to the negotiations.
Talks between the teams and Kansas are imminent, although there is no set timeline for when a deal might be finalized. The ongoing discussions mean Missouri has to act quickly and effectively to present a viable counterproposal.
Legislative Hurdles
Any proposal for Missouri to retain the Chiefs and Royals will need legislative approval. This adds another layer of complexity, as it requires the agreement of Parson's successor and the new legislative body. With Parson's term ending in January, he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before his departure.
"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 said, suggesting he understands the teams' willingness to entertain Kansas' offers but remains optimistic about Missouri's chances.
Comparative Deals
Looking at recent deals, Jacksonville's $1.25 billion stadium renovation for the NFL's Jaguars stands out. The costs were split between the city and the team, providing a potential blueprint for Missouri's efforts. Such deals illustrate that retaining top-tier sports franchises often requires significant public investment, balanced against long-term economic benefits.
"The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson noted, emphasizing the substantial impact these teams have on the local economy. The benefits of keeping the teams extend beyond just game days, driving tourism and local business.
As both states vie for the allegiance of the Chiefs and Royals, it is clear that whatever arrangement is finally reached will set a precedent for how cities and states negotiate with major sports franchises. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Kansas City can keep its beloved teams or if a cross-state shift is in the cards. Missouri's proposal will need to be both competitive and beneficial to its taxpayers, a challenging but necessary objective to achieve.