Royals

A new financial report says the proposed Royals stadium in Crown Center could generate about $1.4 billion in total tax revenue over 30 years. Economists have thrown cold water on similar estimates, though, as new stadiums rarely deliver on their promised economic benefits to cities.

The Kansas City Royals celebrated Denny Matthews’ 8,000th game behind the mic during last week’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. An inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Matthews has been "the voice of the Royals" since the team first began 57 years ago.

The workers’ rights group who brought forward the petition to have citizens vote say a “for” vote will force city leaders to put the planned Royals stadium in front of voters. The mayor disagrees.

The Kansas City Royals celebrated Denny Matthews’ 8,000th game behind the mic during last week’s matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. An inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Matthews has been "the voice of the Royals" since the team first began 57 years ago.

Kansas City is dishing out a lot of money for new development plans, specifically toward the Country Club Plaza and Royals downtown ballpark. How do the two projects stack up against each other — and why does Kansas City feel like it needs to give those owners public funding?

Sports economists looking at the $600 million deal between the Royals and the Kansas City Council aren’t very impressed. The quickly-passed measure leaves many unanswered questions about where the public funds will come from, how much risk Kansas City will take on, and if the economic benefits will actually pan out.

The Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to commit $600 million to the Royals for a new ballpark. Here’s a look at the political and financial math behind the deal.

After the Kansas City Council approved $600 million in funding for a new Crown Center ballpark on Thursday, Councilmember Crispin Rea called the deal a major accomplishment for the city. It will hold the Royals to $55 million over 30 years for community improvements, but some community groups say that's not enough — and want a public vote.

Public funds from city and state sources would contribute 60% of the cost for the Crown Center stadium, possibly through tax-exempt bonds. The Royals will have "no obligation to repay or otherwise support payment of” those bonds, leaving the city to cover any shortfalls.

After several hours of debate and testimony, Kansas City Council's finance committee approved two ordinances that dedicate $600 million in city funding and rezone land for a Crown Center ballpark. Critics remain furious the cost to taxpayers won't get a public vote.

Kansas City could approve a deal with the Royals within the next two weeks. But the public still doesn’t know where the $600 million will come from or whether the city was successful in negotiating community benefits.

The 6th district council member told KCUR's Up To Date on Thursday that his constituents want the city to negotiate a stadium deal that is more beneficial to residents. He said they also want more transparency from Kansas City's leaders.