Missouri Governor Mike Parson has taken a bold step to ensure that the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals don’t venture across the border to Kansas. The governor announced plans to develop an aid package by the end of the year, signaling the state’s commitment to keeping these professional teams firmly rooted in Missouri.
Competitive Stakes on Both Sides of the Border
“We’re going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line,” Parson remarked, demonstrating his proactive stance. “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.”
The urgency behind Parson's announcement is underscored by Kansas's recent approval of a financing plan that could cover up to 70% of the costs for new stadiums for these storied franchises. This move has heightened the stakes, providing a significant incentive for the teams to consider relocating across state lines.
Decades of Legacy at Stake
Both the Chiefs and Royals have a rich history in Kansas City, having played for over 50 years in adjacent stadiums in the eastern part of the city. The concrete bond they share with the local community adds a layer of complexity to any potential relocation. Their current stadium leases, however, only run until 2031, adding a ticking clock to these negotiations.
Royals owner John Sherman has already stated publicly that the team will not continue to call Kauffman Stadium home beyond the 2030 season, further complicating the situation. Kansas City's sports landscape could see a significant reshuffling unless a viable solution is formulated.
Challenges on the Home Front
Earlier this year, Jackson County voters delivered a significant blow by rejecting a proposal for a sales tax that would have generated funds for a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals, alongside an $800 million renovation for the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This rejection has evidently intensified efforts from the governor's office to find alternative solutions.
“The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business,” Parson stressed. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri."
Other Cities Setting Precedent
The urgency of Missouri's response can also be seen in the context of other cities making strides in their stadium deals. In Jacksonville, Florida, a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars was approved recently, with costs being split between the city and the team. This precedent highlights the competitive nature of keeping professional sports teams happy and highlights the economic implications for the host cities.
Timeline and Political Factors
Governor Parson’s term ends in January, and he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before he leaves office. This means any efforts to secure the Chiefs and Royals will need to be expedited within his remaining tenure. “I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place” to propose for the stadiums, Parson noted.
Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a definitive timeline for finalizing a deal, leaving the future of the Chiefs and Royals hanging in a delicate balance.
This evolving narrative will undoubtedly be one to watch as the year progresses, with the potential to significantly shape the sports landscape in both Missouri and Kansas.