Mayor Optimistic About Keeping Chiefs and Royals in Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a recent conversation at Chiefs training camp, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared an upbeat message about keeping the city’s two biggest sports teams, the Chiefs and the Royals, firmly planted in Missouri. He believes that no matter who wins the gubernatorial race, support for these teams will remain strong.

Lucas expressed confidence, saying, “Conversations continue with both teams.” Whether it’s Mike Kehoe, the Republican nominee, or Democrat Crystal Quade, Lucas thinks both candidates will rally behind keeping the teams in Missouri. “The Missouri legislature will be supportive of retaining these two valuable assets,” he added.

Mike Kehoe, currently serving as lieutenant governor, has previously made statements emphasizing that Missourians deserve a governor who actively supports economic growth and job creation. He assured that as governor, he would fight against any attempts from other states to entice the teams away.

On the other side of the aisle, Crystal Quade also made it clear how much the Chiefs mean to Missouri. She stated, “Any candidate for governor who claims they don’t care about the Arrowhead-sized hole losing the Chiefs would create is lying.” Her focus is on ensuring that the relationship with the teams remains strong.

During his visit to the training camp, Lucas was hopeful about the future, mentioning that this is a positive moment for discussions around stadiums and maintaining the teams. “You’re going to see progress in the months ahead,” he reaffirmed.

Previously, voters in Jackson County shot down funding proposals aimed at building a new downtown ballpark for the Royals and renovating Arrowhead Stadium. This has prompted Chiefs owner Clark Hunt to look into options for a new venue.

With the current lease for both teams at the Truman Sports Complex ending in 2031, the stakes are high. There have even been efforts in Kansas, backed by Governor Laura Kelly, to create opportunities for the teams to potentially relocate to Kansas.