Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced plans to formulate an aid package by the end of the year to prevent the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from moving across state lines to Kansas. With Kansas recently approving a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for the teams, Missouri finds itself in a competitive struggle to retain its prized sports franchises.
Missouri’s Response
"We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," Parson stated, emphasizing his commitment to retaining the Chiefs and Royals. The governor acknowledged Kansas' strategic play, expressing that he couldn't blame them for trying to attract the teams. "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," he added.
Both the Chiefs and Royals have deep roots in Kansas City, having played for over 50 years in side-by-side stadiums in the eastern part of the city. However, with their current stadium leases running until 2031 and Royals owner John Sherman explicitly stating that the Royals will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, time is of the essence. Voters in Jackson County, Missouri, recently rejected a sales tax proposal in April that would have funded a $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium, signaling a need for alternative financing solutions.
Financial Landscape
Governor Parson pointed out the economic significance of the Chiefs and Royals to Missouri. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," he observed. Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of creating a plan that is fiscally responsible. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he said, ensuring that any financial aid package would be scrutinized for its long-term viability and public value.
In contrast, 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. This move highlights the economic competition between states to provide modern facilities for major sports franchises and retain them as key assets within their regions.
Timeline and Political Context
Governor Parson is at the tail end of his governorship, with his term concluding in January. Although he aims to have an aid package proposal in place by the end of the year, he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before leaving office. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place" to propose for the stadiums, he asserted, indicating his administration's urgency in finalizing a plan.
The Kansas Department of Commerce has not set a timeline for finalizing a deal, adding another layer of complexity and uncertainty to the situation. As both states vie for the loyalty of these professional teams, the stakes are high, not just for the franchises and fans, but for the economic impact that these teams generate in their respective local communities.
In this competitive landscape, Missouri's response and ability to craft a compelling, sustainable business deal will be crucial in retaining the Chiefs and Royals. As Governor Parson navigates these final months of his term, the eyes of sports fans and economic stakeholders alike will be on Missouri’s next moves.