Where Will the Royals Play Next? A Big Choice Ahead

The Kansas City Chiefs are moving to a new stadium in Kansas. This has put the spotlight on the Royals. They need to decide where to play after their lease at Kauffman Stadium ends in 2031. The Royals' owner wants a downtown ballpark. But plans have hit roadblocks. Last year, voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax extension. This tax helps pay for Kauffman Stadium and a new ballpark. Now, the Royals have options. They can try again for downtown baseball. They can build a new stadium in Missouri. Or they can follow the Chiefs to Kansas. Missouri's governor wants to keep the Royals. He said they are in a strong position. Missouri lawmakers approved bonds for new stadiums. This includes up to 50% of the cost and $50 million in tax credits.But Kansas has a tempting offer. Their bond package covers up to 70% of costs. It uses state sales and liquor taxes. This is a big deal. It's the largest public subsidy ever for a U. S. stadium. The Chiefs' new stadium will cost over $4 billion. It includes a $300 million training city in Olathe. The Royals have looked at sites in downtown Kansas City. But each has issues. Traffic, community support, and other problems have slowed progress. Recently, attention has turned to Overland Park, Kansas. The Royals already own land there. But neighbors in Leawood, Kansas, are against it. A fan named John Mosley noticed the trend. He said most things are moving to Kansas. He thinks it's about money. Missouri might not be offering enough.