Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced a proactive effort to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from relocating to Kansas. In a plan set to be formulated by the end of the year, the state aims to create an aid package designed to keep the teams in Missouri.
State Rivalry Heats Up
The urgency comes in response to Kansas's approval of a financing plan that could cover up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for both teams. This has sparked a heightened sense of competition, with Missouri keen on retaining these premier sports franchises. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson emphasized. "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."
Long-Standing Tradition
The Chiefs and Royals have both called their respective stadiums in eastern Kansas City home for over five decades. With their leases running until 2031, there’s still time, but Royals owner John Sherman has made it clear that the team is not planning to extend their stay at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season.
Efforts to secure funding for new or renovated stadiums have met resistance. Jackson County voters rejected a proposed sales tax hike in April, which would have financed more than $2 billion for a downtown ballpark district for the Royals, as well as an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium.
Comparison with Other Cities
Missouri looks to other cities as examples in their struggle to hold onto their sports teams. In Jacksonville, Florida, a significant stadium renovation plan for the NFL’s Jaguars has recently passed. The $1.25 billion cost will be shared between the city and the team, showcasing a collaborative path forward that Missouri hopes to emulate. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson noted, underlining the economic impact of these teams on the state.
Yet, there are hurdles to overcome. Parson’s term ends in January, and he has expressed that a special legislative session is unlikely 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, he reassured. However, this optimistic timeline leaves little room for delays.
Uncertain Timeline
The Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a timeline for finalizing a deal, adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation. As both states vie for the loyalty of the Chiefs and Royals, the negotiations will need to be swift and effective to meet the year-end goal.
Parson remains committed to ensuring any deal benefits Missouri taxpayers. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he stressed, indicating that the ultimate decision will lie in what's best for the state's residents.
As the deadline approaches, Missouri's sports fans and the broader community will be watching closely to see if the proposed aid package materializes and whether it will be enough to keep the beloved teams in their long-time home. The ball is in Missouri's court, and the next few months will be critical in determining the future of professional sports in the state.