• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Royals’ Current Lease Could Have Huge Impact On New Stadium Plans

  • Stadium complex leaders looking for more information from MLB club.
  • Sales tax ballot initiative will not be forwarded without lease extension.
Kansas City Royals

There’s already a major possible hiccup in the Kansas City Royals’ attempt to pursue an Atlanta Braves-type mixed-use development.

Just days after the MLB club unveiled the two candidate sites for the projected $2 billion project, officials in Missouri’s Jackson County need much more information from the Royals before any formal agreement on a new stadium is reached. 

Additionally, the county is insisting on a finalized lease extension with the Royals before introducing a ballot question that would extend a current stadium sales tax levy and help fund a new venue.

“To put [the sales tax] on the ballot without executed leases would put the county in a very bad position, so that’s kind of our stance as we stand right now,” said Shawn Foster, chairman of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

The Royals are deciding between a 27-acre site in downtown Kansas City in Jackson County and a 90-acre tract in neighboring Clay County, with a final selection due next month. Timing is critical, as the Royals would like the sales tax extension on an April 2024 ballot if they stay in Jackson County, with a December deadline to make that happen.

The choice will also have significant ramifications on the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, who also play in the current sports complex and are looking to renovate Arrowhead Stadium.

The Royals’ current lease for Kauffman Stadium doesn’t expire until 2031, but the team is targeting a 2028 opening for its new ballpark.

Brewers’ Hope

The Milwaukee Brewers are also seeking a significant facility upgrade, and are now conveying a more hopeful tone in ongoing discussions with Wisconsin leaders about renovations to American Family Field. Prior reports suggested a potential relocation if a renovation deal wasn’t completed, but team ownership is now much more optimistic.

“We very much want to stay [in Milwaukee],” said Brewers owner Mark Attanasio. “That’s all I’ve considered at this point.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
June 26, 2025

Bengals Strike 10-Year, $470M Stadium Deal to Stay in Cincinnati

The NFL franchise and Hamilton County have agreed to a new lease.
July 1, 2025

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 26, 2025

Browns $2.4B Stadium Plan Now Relies on Ohioans’ Forgotten Money

Ohio’s Modell Law is revised, while stadium funding faces new challenges.
June 25, 2025

MLB’s Bold Bristol Plan: Inside the Renovation and Potential Records

Work accelerates to convert the massive motorsports venue for baseball.
June 24, 2025

Diamondbacks Score Up to $500M for Chase Field Renovation

Concerns about another potential team relocation in Arizona influence the vote.
June 23, 2025

A’s Launch $1.75B Ballpark Build With Funding Puzzle Still Unsolved

Ground is broken in Las Vegas, but funding issues, Sacramento woes persist.