JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Mike Parson said he’s expecting to know more about the future of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs within the next two months.
Earlier this year, Kansas passed legislation to entice the Chiefs and Royals to the Sunflower State, but Missouri said not so fast. Both Parson and Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe said they’ve been talking with the teams and believe they will state in the Show-Me State.
“I believe there will be some things before; hopefully in the next 60 days, we’ll know a little but more clarity before I do leave office,” Parson said in an exclusive interview with our Missouri Capitol Bureau Chief Emily Manley. “I believe there are more alternatives on the table now than what we had three months ago.”
Missouri’s 57th governor continues to say the state will be competitive. Over the summer, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed off on a plan to help the teams pay for up to 70 percent of the cost of new stadiums with bonds. The Chiefs stadium lease expires in 2031.
“It’s a big deal; it needs to get done,” Parson said. “It’s something that’s going to have to be a priority next year. If you’re trying to build stadiums, four, five years is not much of a runway.”
Parson said he believes the Chiefs will build a new training facility at a new location.
“I don’t think this is all necessarily going to end up in Jackson County,” Parson said. “I do believe parts of these, whether it’s the Royals, the Chiefs, I do believe they will be in another county before this is all over. That helps because now all of a sudden one area is not carrying the whole burden.”
Back in April, Jackson County voters rejected a stadium sales tax, which would have helped fund a new ballpark for the Royals and renovated Arrowhead Stadium.
Missouri’s next governor believes voters passing sports betting is part of the solution of the teams staying put.
“Whatever we do has to be a good return on taxpayer dollars, but I’ve been very consistent in saying I’m not a fan of spending taxpayer dollars on stadiums,” Kehoe said. “I am a fan of trying to make sure that businesses that are located here in the state, that have an economic impact, that employ Missourians, stay in our state, no matter if it’s a franchise of a sports team or a widget manufacturer.”
Newly elected Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, expects this topic to be a key issue in the upcoming legislative session that starts in January.
“I really believe both teams want to stay, and I think if we just keep working at it, we can find a position that will work,” O’Laughlin said. “With the Royals considering moving up maybe north to Clay County, if that were to happen, then the Chiefs could probably pass their local tax.”
Parson said this must be a priority for the incoming administration.
This week, the Kansas City Chiefs hired a research group to conduct surveys and interviews to help with the ongoing decision of where their future should be. CSL International specializes in entertainment venues and will start research sessions in the coming weeks. Participants will be able to share their ideas on features, amenities, and seating. The group will also be asking whether to renovate Arrowhead or build an all-new stadium.