KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Kansas City Royals have ruled out one location long held as a major player to host their new stadium and ballpark district.
The club confirmed to KCTV5 on Tuesday morning that the Aspira campus in Overland Park, Kansas, is no longer an option.
“As stated when the Aspiria mortgage was acquired, the investment was made to maintain the site as an option for a new Kansas City Royals stadium,” the Royals stated. “After significant evaluation, we do not believe this site meets our criteria for a stadium. We continue to evaluate opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area to create a world-class ballpark district. As always, we hear and appreciate the input of our fans throughout the region. We remain hard at work toward the best solution for our team, fans, partners, and community.”
Royals owner John Sherman speaks as team starts Spring Training in Arizona
The Overland Park location gained attention in May when a Royals affiliate purchased the mortgage on the Aspiria Campus. The club said the purchase was part of evaluating multiple options in both Missouri and Kansas.
The concept of the Royals moving to the Aspiria campus drew criticism from Leawood residents, and T-Mobile said it would relocate more than 3,500 employees from the Overland Park location.
In July, Kansas lawmakers extended STAR bond legislation through June 30, 2026, following requests from both the Chiefs and Royals. The bonds allow Kansas to pay for up to 70% of a stadium project. Lawmakers set a Dec. 31, 2025, deadline for teams to submit proposals to the state Commerce Department.
On Dec. 31, 2025, a Kansas lawmaker shared that time was up for the Kansas City Royals to possibly move to Kansas, despite Kansas law allowing for more time.
Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota told KCTV5 that he is working to keep the Royals in the county.
The Aspiria campus off 119th Street and Nall Avenue had been under consideration as a future home of the Royals, along with North Kansas City and Washington Square Park.
Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.(KCTV5)
In late 2022, Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman said the club wanted to move out of Kauffman Stadium and addressed the idea of a downtown stadium.
On Apr. 2, 2024, Jackson County issued a resounding “no,” with 58 percent of voters opposing a stadium sales tax ordinance to fund future stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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