Royals

As Missouri lawmakers prepare to debate a counter offer to keep the Royals and Chiefs in Kansas City, economists say Kansas’ proposal to use STAR bonds may not be financially feasible. “You are not going to generate enough net revenue to cover one of the facilities, let alone two,” one expert says.

The Senate Freedom Caucus is demanding tax cuts in exchange for not blocking stadium funds for the Royals and Chiefs, while Democrats retaliated for slights during the regular session by derailing the routine work of signing bills. The tensions don't bode well for next week's special session.

The Royals confirmed their interest in the Aspiria complex near 119th Street and Nall Avenue — once the Sprint World Headquarters campus — while also emphasizing that they "continue to explore all options throughout our community to develop a new stadium."

Gov. Mike Kehoe said Friday that he will call back lawmakers for a special session to consider a counteroffer that would keep both Kansas City teams in Missouri. He called it an economic development package.

It's the first time in more than 70 years that the House has adjourned early. The session had been scheduled to end on Friday.

Under the plan from Gov. Mike Kehoe, the state would help pay up to half the cost of a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals and a refurbished Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs, though the overall cost was not clear. Mayor Quinton Lucas said Kansas City "strongly supports the legislation."

The tentative plan would commit Missouri to paying $15 million a year to a newly created Clay County sports authority for the two decades. That money would be used to help finance a new stadium in order to prevent the Royals from moving to Kansas.

The Kansas City Royals are coming off their best season in almost a decade after winning a playoff series in 2024. In a live broadcast from Kauffman Stadium, KCUR's Up To Date spoke with Royals owner John Sherman, general manager J.J. Picollo and more about the upcoming season and stadium negotiations.

Joel Goldberg, the in-game reporter fans see throughout the season on Kansas City Royals television broadcasts, is out with a new book, titled "Small Ball Big Dreams."

Elected officials from Jackson County will travel to the state Capitol this week to meet with legislative leaders and Gov. Mike Kehoe about stadium funding ideas. Meanwhile, Clay County is working to establish its own sports complex authority.

Before the Chiefs face the Eagles at the Super Bowl, hands will be placed over hearts as Jon Batiste sings the national anthem. Learn more about the history of this musical tradition from some Kansas City musicians who have taken to the field to perform themselves.

Two specific sites in Overland Park have been mentioned as possible landing places for a new baseball stadium. The Royals have been courted by Kansas after Kansas City voters rejected funding for a downtown ballpark — but the team hasn't actually provided plans yet.