Kansas City leaders approve ordinance to help fund downtown Kansas City Royals stadium
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The City of Kansas City approved an ordinance that would lead to a $600 million funding package that will keep the Kansas City Royals stadium in Missouri.
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The approval comes after an 11-1-1 vote during Thursday's City Council meeting. City Councilman Nathan Willett accounted for the single no vote and City Councilman Crispin Rea abstained from voting.
Right before the vote, Stand Up KC, which has opposed the funding plan, put up signs showing how Jackson County residents voted down the funding plan for a Royals downtown stadium two years ago.
Fast-forward to April of 2026, the effort to keep the Royals in the city has always been driven by the city and not the county. It will be the city's parks department that owns a stadium at Washington Square Park, should that be the location the Royals choose. Right after Thursday's vote, Stand Up KC held a rally of some sorts, outside the council chambers.
"We're not really ready to lay out our plans today," Stand Up KC Leader Terrence Wise said. "But we'll use every tool in the toolbox to fight back against what happened here today."
Mayor Lucas took questions from reporters for close to ten minutes after Thursday's vote.
"I think that when you look at what the city's been able to deliver, certainly if there's a question of, 'Has the city of Kansas City done its part?' We have I think gotten a good deal. We have outstanding financial terms, some of the best in the history of Major League Baseball for a team particularly coming from a local government. I think that you will look to the state now as an important part of the negotiation, any other partners that come into the discussion, including Jackson County."
The Royals shared their gratitude for local leaders and their efforts after Thursday's vote.
"The Royals remain grateful for the work and attention of local leaders. We respect the process, which includes the City Council and Parks Board consideration, and the City Manager's presentation of a term sheet for review and negotiation, with a long-term vision that we expect to include one of the largest private investments in Kansas City history. As always, our motivation is to find the best solution for our team, our fans, and our community. We're excited by the possibilities this opportunity presents for our hometown," the team stated.
The Greater Kansas City Area Chamber of Commerce also shared its excitement in bringing the Royals downtown.
"As a unified collective of the KC region's business and civic organizations, we are encouraged and excited by the City of Kansas City, Missouri's action today toward bringing Royals baseball downtown. With momentum building, this is an opportunity to move forward, preserving Kansas City's legacy as a major league region and world-class sports destination," the statement reads.
As part of the plan, City Commissioner Stephenie Smith had an amendment added that says the board will have a seat at the city's negotiating table with the Royals.
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The plan also authorizes the city to enter into a lease and development agreement with the Royals for the new stadium, as well as an office tower and downtown baseball district, according to the city.
"Today's legislation is a historic day for Kansas City, the state of Missouri, and our entire region," said Mayor Lucas. "Our transformational new stadium and baseball district will bring more jobs to thousands of Kansas Citians, will bring professional sports and millions of visitors downtown, and will ensure the development of Kansas City's core is second to no other city in our country."
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