The Kansas City Royals’ lease at Kauffman Stadium doesn’t end until 2031, but the team is reportedly considering moving downtown in time for the 2026 season.
“A new stadium could open before the end of our current lease and stay true to our goals of keeping the Royals and Chiefs in Kansas City for the long term,” the Royals confirmed to The Kansas City Star.
The Chiefs, whose lease at the adjacent Arrowhead Stadium aligns with the Royals’, have reportedly contemplated moving across state lines.
Majority owner John Sherman, who bought the team for $1 billion in 2019, has said a “public-private partnership” will be required with cooperation from local officials. City manager Brian Platt says Kansas City already has “limited financial resources” for key priorities.
Sluggerrr’s Scene
Originally called Royals Stadium, Kauffman finished a $70 million construction in 1973. The Star reported that two new locations have dominated the team’s conversations.
- The team reportedly prefers a spot in the East Village within the freeway loop — blocks from T-Mobile Center and the Power & Light District.
- Politicians are reportedly vying for a stadium next to the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District, a few minutes further from downtown.
East Side developer Tim Duggan thinks the underdeveloped Jazz District location “could have profound economic development impact opportunities.”
