Missouri: Approved state aid package for Chiefs and Royals

Missouri Secures Million-Dollar Investment to Keep the Chiefs and Royals

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a legislative package that allocates hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid to persuade the Chiefs and the Royals to remain in the state. The measure, approved by state lawmakers, seeks to ensure the continuity of both sports franchises in Missouri. The Chiefs and Royals currently play at the Truman Sports Complex, where they share facilities Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. However, their leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031. Both organizations have been evaluating their options for the future. Last year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension that would have funded an $800 million renovation for Arrowhead Stadium and a $2 billion stadium district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City. The slow support for franchises from Missouri led Kansas lawmakers to authorize bonds to cover up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in their state. The Royals have purchased a mortgage for a property in Kansas, although they have also continued to look for other possible sites in Missouri. Kansas’ offer expires on June 30, and both teams hope to have a defined plan by that date. Missouri legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, as well as up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs have proposed plans for a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have insisted that they plan to build a replacement for Kauffman Stadium. Help for stadiums was already a major concern in Missouri when a deadly tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in damage, one day after lawmakers finished their annual regular session.

“Homes are collapsed and leveled,” said Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins.
Kimberly-Ann Collins

The Chiefs, in a statement, described the legislative vote as a “significant step” that allows the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as “a very important piece of our decision-making process,” but made no specific commitment regarding location.

“Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners, and regional community as we seek the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,” the team stated.
Kansas City Royals

Although they have no specific plans in the works, the St. Louis Cardinals would also be eligible to receive stadium assistance if they undertake a project of at least $500 million.

“We have the opportunity to perhaps save what is the symbol of this state,” said State Representative Jim Murphy.
Jim Murphy

The legislation faced some bipartisan opposition, with critics describing it as a subsidy for wealthy franchise owners. Others expressed concern about a property tax exemption for homeowners, which was added in the Senate to gain votes and which could violate the state constitution.