The deadline for a Royals stadium deal looms — again
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The lights are going down at Kauffman Stadium. Photo: Kirby Lee/Getty Images
The Royals and Kansas officials are once again approaching the deadline to reach a deal over the team's new stadium, setting up a high-stakes December.
Why it matters: More than a billion dollars in public funds are on the line as Kansas and Missouri battle for home-field advantage.
Flashback: Negotiators with Kansas and the team were unable to agree upon a stadium plan before the state's original deadline of June 30, so lawmakers punted the decision to the end of December.
Yes, but: The extended timeline legally lasts until June 30, 2026, so another delay is still on the table.
Context: Both Kansas and Missouri have passed financial incentives in an economic bidding war for the team's future.
- Missouri's bill offers to pay for 50% of construction costs over three decades using tax money brought in by the stadium. Kansas' STAR bonds offer up to 70%.
State of play: At least three stadium sites were still on the table as of November: Downtown/Near Downtown, Clay County/North Kansas City and Johnson County/Overland Park, per a fan survey reported by KCUR.
- A team affiliate in May purchased the mortgage for the Aspiria campus in Overland Park. The Royals stated they had made "investments in multiple potential sites."
- The Royals in July sent a term sheet to Clay County officials outlining a potential North Kansas City stadium.
- KCMO's downtown council in November made the case for a ballpark at Washington Square Park.
Between the lines: Royals owner John Sherman in 2023 said he wants the team playing in the new stadium by 2028 — a goal that's becoming less likely as time ticks by. The current stadium's lease is up after the 2030 season.
The intrigue: A petition opposing a stadium at Aspiria was started by a nearby resident on Nov. 23 and had more than 1,300 signatures as of Monday.
- It cites stadium-level traffic near high schools and hospitals, as well as anticipated drops in home values and quality of life, among residents' chief concerns.
What we're watching: The Legislative Coordinating Council will meet this month to discuss any updates, spokesperson Megan Stookey tells Axios. No date has been set.
- Patrick Lowry, director of communications with the Kansas Department of Commerce, said officials are still working on an agreement, but he did not provide further comment.
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