Missouri finalizes stadium bill, local leaders now take center stage

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri lawmakers have done their part. Now, the future of the Royals and Chiefs rests with local leaders.

The state has finalized legislation that makes stadium deals in either Jackson or Clay County possible. All that’s left is a signature from Governor Mike Kehoe – but the negotiations have already moved to city and county officials.

In Kansas City, one possible location already has momentum, Washington Square Park.

The site sits between Union Station and Crown Center. And Kansas City Councilman Crispin Rea pointed out it offers more than just a scenic backdrop.

“We have multiple modes of transportation to get here. The streetcar is close. The Amtrak station runs right through here. There’s ample parking,” Rea said. “There’s a number of established businesses that will benefit and be supplemental to the stadium as well. And of course, you can’t recreate this skyline right behind me.”

That skyline is front and center in early stadium renderings – one looking out over left field toward downtown, showcasing the tops of skyscrapers and the Western Auto sign in the forefront.

City leaders have said that the deal also wouldn’t require a citywide vote to raise taxes.

“We have a number of incentives and tax redirections that we could put on the table. The city is good at doing that work while also protecting taxpayers, and what’s in the best interest of taxpayers,” Rea added.

But Kansas City isn’t the only one in the room where the deal is taking place.

Just North of the river, Clay County is pitching a large site near 18th Street and Fayette in North Kansas City. The plan includes between 80 to 100 acres – far more than what would be needed for just a stadium.

“Clearly, the stadium is not going to take that kind of space, and it allows us to really develop in a very creative way,” Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte said. “We don’t have to worry about shoehorning things in. We can really, you know, take our time and do it, do it correctly.”

That kind of space opens the door for other additions – like a possible training facility for the Chiefs.

“Almost anything is possible here,” Nolte said.

The downside? Time.

A deal in Clay County may require a citywide or countywide vote, adding complexity to the timeline.

“Should the team choose Clay County, it then becomes incumbent on us, not just to negotiate the deal with the team, but to communicate that deal to citizens and to hopefully demonstrate the value added for them,” Nolte said.

And what about the Chiefs?

Any plans to renovate Arrowhead Stadium would have to go through Jackson County Executive Frank White. He declined an interview but issued a statement yesterday.

“I applaud the Missouri General Assembly for advancing legislation that s the future of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. I especially want to thank Governor Mike Kehoe for his leadership in making this progress possible. With the bill now headed to his desk, today marks an important step toward a more balanced and responsible approach to funding professional sports in our region.

“For more than 50 years, Jackson County has been home to the Chiefs and Royals – two of the most iconic franchises in American sports. Today, we are investing more than $54 million each year to build, equip and maintain top-tier facilities for their benefit. These are extraordinary public resources, highlighting the significance of this investment and the responsibility it carries for our community.

“But I must also be clear: Jackson County has shouldered not just the bulk, but nearly the entirety of public funding that s these teams. That level of local responsibility is no longer sustainable or fair. This legislation creates the opportunity to build a more equitable model, where the investment is shared more broadly across the state and region.

“As this process continues, I look forward to working with all stakeholders, including the Chiefs and Royals, to better understand their long-term plans and their commitment to remaining in Jackson County. Together, we can ensure our teams stay rooted here while delivering a fair and forward-looking deal for the people who have ed them for generations.”

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