Royals’ Future in Flux as Kansas City Officials Push to Keep Team in Missouri
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to pack up and head across state lines to Kansas, all eyes are now on the Royals - and whether they’ll follow suit or stay rooted in Missouri. The franchise hasn’t said much publicly, but behind the scenes, the pressure is mounting, the clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At the heart of the uncertainty is the STAR bond proposal in Kansas - a major economic incentive that could lure the Royals across the border. But for now, the team is staying quiet, offering no comment beyond a polite nod to the Chiefs and their future move.
That silence has only added urgency for leaders in Kansas City, Missouri, especially in the city’s 3rd District - home to the Truman Sports Complex and the Royals for the past 50 years. Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, who represents the district, has been working the phones since the Chiefs’ announcement, rallying support to keep the Royals on Missouri soil.
“I just got on the phone yesterday and started calling people, saying, 'Hey, we've got a job to do in East Kansas City.' Let's get started,” Patterson Hazley said.
She’s been in direct contact with Royals owner John Sherman, describing their recent conversations as “positive.” According to Patterson Hazley, they’ve explored multiple potential stadium sites, including keeping the team near the Truman Sports Complex or building a new ballpark at Truman and Troost. Washington Square Park has also surfaced in discussions as another possible location.
The message from Patterson Hazley is clear: the Royals have deep roots in the 3rd District, and she wants to see that relationship continue for the next generation.
“They've been in the third district for 50 years, but we want to continue the relationship for the next generation,” she said.
Sherman, she noted, has remained engaged and communicative as talks continue - a sign that the door is still open for Kansas City to make its case.
“He's communicative. And I think we're just trying to figure out what's the best path forward,” she added.
But East Kansas City isn’t the only area vying for the Royals’ future home. Up north, North Kansas City leaders are also waiting for clarity. Mayor Jesse Smith expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the team, but acknowledged the magnitude of the decision.
“I don't want to make light of the fact that they are making a multibillion-dollar decision,” Smith said. “We haven't heard anything yet, and that's frustrating. Again, acknowledging this is a big, big decision.”
Still, Patterson Hazley remains focused on keeping the team not just in the city - but in her district.
“I think the main thing is Kansas City first, Kansas City, Missouri first,” she said. “And, you know, as the representative of the third district, of course, I'm going to vie for the stadium to stay in my district.”
For now, the Royals’ next move remains uncertain. But one thing’s for sure: the tug-of-war for the franchise is heating up, and Kansas City, Missouri, is making it clear they’re not giving up without a fight.
“We do have a good asset that Kansas City is built from scratch,” Patterson Hazley said. “Kansas City, Missouri, has built these teams from scratch.
That's why everybody wants them. So we've just got to do a good job and retain the Royals.”