Missouri is on the clock to keep two of its biggest sports franchises from crossing state lines. In a strategic move, Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri will draft an aid package by year's end aimed at keeping the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals from relocating to Kansas.
The neighboring Sunflower State has made a tempting offer, approving a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. The Chiefs and Royals have both called adjacent stadiums in eastern Kansas City their home for over five decades, and both teams' leases run through 2031. However, the Royals' owner, John Sherman, has publicly stated the team will not remain at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, making the situation especially urgent.
Financial Challenges and Setbacks
In a setback for Missouri, Jackson County voters turned down a sales tax measure in April that would have funded a more than $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals along with an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This defeat left a funding gap that Kansas is eager to exploit. Kansas has not set a timeline for finalizing a deal, giving Missouri a limited window of opportunity.
Governor Parson is keenly aware of the stakes. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," he emphasized. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line." Parson's approach underscores the financial and cultural significance of keeping these teams in Missouri.
Balanced Costs and Benefits
While the urgency is clear, Parson struck a pragmatic tone, emphasizing the importance of a deal that benefits Missouri taxpayers. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," he stated. This sentiment reflects the governor's concern for balancing economic competitiveness with responsible governance.
Governor Parson does not foresee calling a special legislative session before his term concludes in January, adding another layer of complexity to the timeline. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place to propose for the stadiums," he remarked, demonstrating his determination to lay the groundwork before his departure.
Strategic Responses in Competitive Landscape
Kansas' aggressive move to lure the Chiefs and Royals away is something Parson appreciates from a competitive standpoint. "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," Parson admitted. This levelheaded perspective could bode well as Missouri crafts its counteroffer.
Case Study: Jacksonville's New Deal
Missouri can look to Jacksonville, Florida, for a recent example of how municipal funding can effectively retain an NFL franchise. This week, a $1.25 billion renovation plan for the Jaguars' stadium was approved, with costs split between the city and the team. It serves as a viable model that Missouri might consider as it forms its own proposal.
Governor Parson's resolve is clear, but much work remains to finalize a package that keeps both the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. With Kansas making an ambitious play, the clock is ticking, and Missouri’s offer needs to be competitive yet prudent. The upcoming months will be crucial as the state navigates this complex, high-stakes negotiation.