Kansas City, Missouri residents made a resounding decision on Tuesday when they rejected a ballot initiative to extend a three-eighths-cent sales tax. The extension was intended to secure the presence of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs in Jackson County for the next 25 years.
Before 9 p.m. CT, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced on social media that the vote did not pass. Following the news, the Royals’ new owner, John Sherman, expressed disappointment in the results, with 58 percent of voters opposing the tax extension.
Sherman had previously expressed a desire to build a downtown stadium by the 2028 season. The Chiefs, however, had affirmed their commitment to remaining at the Truman Sports Complex, their home since 1973. With the lease agreement between the two teams set to expire in 2031, the long-term future locations for their games now remain uncertain.
In the event of a successful approval of the tax extension, approximately $2 billion would have been generated. This funding was earmarked for a state-of-the-art baseball stadium for the Royals and renovations for Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs play. Despite plans for the new venues, the final construction details were pending.
The rejection of the tax extension also called into question the community benefits agreements reached between the sports teams and the county. Some local leaders and advocacy groups argued that the financial commitments from the teams were insufficient, leading to a divide among voters.
Moving forward, the Royals and Chiefs will need to reconsider their plans for new facilities and renovations. Without the financial support from the sales tax extension, both teams face challenges in securing their future in Kansas City beyond 2030.
As discussions continue on the future of sports in Kansas City, residents and officials will need to find common ground to ensure the longevity of beloved franchises in the region. The outcome of the recent vote has sparked a renewed dialogue on the importance of community investment and the responsibilities of sports teams to their supporters.