• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Royals Commit To Building New $2B Ballpark in K.C., But It’s Complicated

  • MLB club looks to stay in Jackson County, but stadium deal remains incomplete.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs’ renovation plans at Arrowhead Stadium are tied to baseball progress.
Artistic rendering of Kansas City Royals' new downtown stadium.
Kansas City Royals

After months of rising uncertainty and local political angst, the Kansas City Royals have opted to build their new stadium in downtown Kansas City—and taxpayers are likely to get a better deal in the process. But there are still plenty of complications surrounding the planned $2 billion project.

The Royals declared their intent to construct a ballpark and mixed-used development in downtown Kansas City and remain in Jackson County, discarding a prior option to shift to a larger parcel in neighboring Clay County. The statement is part of a bid to extend by 40 years a current sales tax appropriation in Jackson County that would be used to help supply about $350 million in public funds toward the project. The Royals are still considering a pair of stadium site options in Jackson County, including a location in south Kansas City at the site of the former Kansas City Star printing press pavilion.

The club made a joint statement with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, who are similarly seeking to extend the tax and renovate Arrowhead Stadium. The teams face a Jan. 23 deadline to get on an April public ballot, and the tax issue is also set to be considered Monday by the Jackson County legislature.

“The partnership between Jackson County, the Chiefs, and the Royals has been a tremendous success over the past 50 years and directly responsible for much of the great momentum our hometown has built,” the teams said.

The statement follows recent negotiations in which the Royals and Chiefs agreed to pay stadium insurance previously handled by Jackson County, which is projected to yield $80 million to $100 million in savings to taxpayers. A further concession by the teams will allow the county to utilize about $140 million in an existing park property tax for non-sports purposes. County officials have been pushing for improved terms in the talks, in keeping with a growing national trend surrounding public funding for pro stadiums.

Still Plenty of Hurdles

Despite the improved clarity around the Royals’ stadium search, potential problems remain. Most of all, the team is reportedly still far apart in the lease and development negotiations with Frank White, Jackson County executive.

“No agreement has been finalized with either team,” White said. “As we navigate these crucial negotiations involving potential commitments of billions of taxpayer dollars, I want to make it abundantly clear: I have not, and will not, rush into any agreement.”

The Royals and Chiefs could circumvent White and get on the ballot without his approval, but that would require enough time and legislative support to overcome a veto. Currently one of MLB’s worst-attended, lowest-spending, and poorest-performing clubs, the Royals are eyeing the new stadium development as a key mechanism to improve their fortunes on and off the field. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Behind a $50,000 Luxury Athlete Tattoo: Inked Under Anesthesia

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.

Bengals Extend Stadium Lease After $350M in Public Funds for Renovation

The Bengals will stay in the 25-year-old stadium through at least 2036.
opinion

ESPN-NFL Deal Still Contends With a Wild Card: Trump’s Approval

Negotiations between the NFL and Disney have been ongoing for four years

Commanders Seal Stadium Deal As D.C. Approves $1.1B in Funding

The NFL team’s return to its prior home receives key political support.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.

Browns Push Forward on $2.4B Stadium Despite Political Obstacles

The NFL team plans a stadium groundbreaking, despite funding and legal issues.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
July 28, 2025

Chicago Sky Sell Out United Center With Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese Out

The Sky announced 19,601 fans attended the game at the United Center.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 29, 2025

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. continues two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 25, 2025

Prospective Rays Owner Must Start Fresh As $1.3B Stadium Deal Ends

St. Petersburg, Fla., officials formally terminate a prior ballpark agreement.
July 25, 2025

Eagles Turn to Their Fans As They Consider Future Stadium Plans

The defending Super Bowl champions are surveying season-ticket holders.
Jul 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox fans cheer after a home run by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Wilyer Abreu (52) during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
July 25, 2025

Fenway Concession Workers Go on Strike for Dodgers Series

They’re asking fans not to buy food and drink at the games.
July 24, 2025

Commanders Restructure $3.8B Stadium Pact Ahead of Council Vote

A D.C. Council vote on the proposed stadium is now set for Aug. 1.