Missouri Governor Mike Parson has unveiled that the state will develop an aid package aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving to Kansas. This announcement comes amidst increasing concerns that Kansas might entice the two professional sports teams across the border with a lucrative financing plan.
In a competitive bid to retain the teams, Missouri is gearing up to prepare a substantial business deal by the end of the year. Parson emphasized the state's commitment with his statement, "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line."
Kansas' Ambitious Stadium Plan
Kansas has approved an ambitious plan to finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for both the Chiefs and the Royals. This aggressive move threw Missouri into a state of urgency, pushing state officials to strategize ways to prevent the potential relocation.
The Chiefs and Royals have called their side-by-side stadiums in eastern Kansas City home for over half a century. However, their leases will expire in 2031. This timeline intensifies the need for Missouri to act swiftly to secure the future of these staple sports franchises.
Royals’ owner John Sherman added to the sense of urgency by publicly stating that the team will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. This declaration has heightened the immediate need for resolution within Missouri's strategy.
Failed Funding and Economic Implications
Earlier in April, Jackson County, Missouri, voters rejected a sales tax initiative that would have funded a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This rejection placed Missouri at a disadvantage in competing against Kansas' enticing offer.
"The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," acknowledged Parson. Keeping these teams rooted in Missouri not only holds sentimental value for the fans but is also crucial economically. "At the end of the day, we're going to be competitive," Parson asserted in response to Kansas' bid.
Preparing for a Future Without a Special Session
Governor Parson’s term is coming to an end in January, and he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before his departure. This means that the task of formulating a competitive aid package lies within the remaining months of his tenure.
Parson remains optimistic about the state's efforts, suggesting a strategic plan is already in motion. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he shared. With time running short, this plan must materialize quickly to counter Kansas’ existing proposal.
Comparative Context: Jacksonville's Recent Approval
In an interesting parallel, Jacksonville, Florida, recently approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for their NFL team, the Jaguars. This agreement split costs between the city and the team, showcasing a successful model of public and private partnership in sports infrastructure investment. Missouri could potentially draw upon such models as it navigates its negotiations with the Chiefs and Royals.
The Kansas Department of Commerce, responsible for finalizing the deal on the Kansas side, has not yet set a timeline. This gives Missouri a window of opportunity, albeit narrow, to finalize its own proposal and keep the teams within state lines.
Ultimately, Missouri's efforts to retain the Chiefs and Royals reflect the high stakes and fierce competition in professional sports. Success in this endeavor will solidify Missouri's standing as a home to major league sports, preserving both the state's cultural heritage and its economic interests.