The Kansas City Royals know that time is running out to secure a new home.
Kaufmann Stadium is set to be abandoned in 2030 alongside its neighbour Arrowhead Stadium.
4
Kauffman Stadium’s location makes it tough to bring in extra revenueCredit: Getty
But while the NFL‘s Kansas City Chiefs reached a deal to relocate to Kansas in December, the MLB franchise are yet to identify a site.
“I think it’s time to get on with it. I know our fans have stadium fatigue, or deal fatigue, and we’ve got that, too,” owner John Sherman said during spring training in Arizona. “But this is a generational decision. It’s very strategic, and we’ve got to get it right.”
Sherman said a deal is set to be struck before the end of the 2026 season.
A location at Washington Square Park, near Union Station, is the current favorite with lawmakers in Clay County, Missouri, refusing to be drawn into a bidding war.
More on MLB
“We’re not settled yet anywhere, but I would tell you that I don’t think that we’re that far away,” Sherman added. “I’ve got a great sense of urgency on this.
“Time is not our friend. When the Chiefs made their announcement [to move to Kansas] in December, there was a whole new wave of enthusiasm on the Missouri side.
“And don’t mean they weren’t working hard [before], but from the governor on down, there’s a lot of effort being put forth.”
Kansas closing in on landing Royals from Missouri
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is bullish that the proposal will get over the line despite the Royals missing a deadline to secure STAR Bonds to cover part of the estimated $2 billion outlay.
“We will get a deal done in 2026 that’s fair and transparent for our taxpayers, our future, and our team,” he said. “As part of our growth, our retention of the Kansas City Royals in the only home they’ve ever known, Kansas City, is a must.”
Kansas looks set to gain two teams after pulling out all the stops in terms of funding.
4
The Royals want a downtown ballparkCredit: Getty
4
Sherman has admitted that the clock is tickingCredit: Getty
But lawmakers are yet to approve the funding for the Chiefs’ relocation and local taxpayers may baulk at helping two billionaires to build stadiums.
The Royals are determined to secure a downtown ballpark and mixed-use development to allow them to compete with wealthy rivals.
“I still have a bias for baseball being in the heart of the city, in the cultural center of our city, and to have the ability to make it better,” Sherman explained. “If that happens, that’s going to be best for the community and the city at large, but we have to make sure we make the right long-term decision for the club as well.”
If a new stadium is to be built for the 2031 season, work will need to begin sooner rather than later.
There are still plenty of hurdles to overcome, but with the Mayor’s backing the Royals will hope to get an agreement over the line.
Further along in their projects are the Tampa Bay Rays and A’s.
4
Kauffman Stadium was built in the early 70sCredit: Getty
The Rays are set to relocate from Tropicana Field after finding a new site at Hillsborough College.
Read More on talkSPORT
And Las Vegas will soon have an MLB team as the A’s relocate from Oakland.
Stay up to date with the latest from the MLB across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the news, exclusives, interviews and more.