CLAY COUNTY, MO — Despite growing buzz and recent news coverage, Clay County Commissioner Jason Withington says rumors of a stadium deal with the Kansas City Royals are premature at best.
In a public statement Monday, Withington addressed speculation following a televised report by KSHB 41, which suggested the county had “made its pitch” to lure the Royals to North Kansas City. “That’s simply not true,” said Withington. “The truth is, the county hasn't had any formal negotiations with the Royals. There is no offer on the table.”
According to Withington, the only discussion that’s occurred so far came when the team expressed that they were “very much interested” in North Kansas City. “We haven’t received a term sheet or any details about what the Royals are actually looking for. There’s no deal, no meetings on the books, and nothing under negotiation,” he emphasized.
The statement comes amid community division on the proposed stadium project, with North Kansas City residents voicing both hope and hesitation. As KSHB’s report highlighted, many locals are eager for answers on financing, location, and how such a move would impact traffic, taxes, and local businesses.
In a significant development for Missouri's sports infrastructure, the Missouri General Assembly has passed legislation permitting Clay County to establish its own Sports Complex Authority. This move potentially sets the stage for future stadium projects in the Northland, including the possibility of a new Kansas City Royals ballpark.Kansas City Star+4KMBC+4Facebook+4
The approved measure, now awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe's signature, allows Clay County to form a five-member authority responsible for developing and managing sports, convention, and trade facilities. Commissioners would be appointed by the governor from a list provided by the county commission. Importantly, the legislation does not allocate public funding for any stadium or facility; any such financing would require approval from Clay County voters, similar to Jackson County’s 3/8-cent sales tax that funds its sports venues. The Beacon+5KMBC+5Missouri Senate+5
A notable provision in the bill includes up to $3 million in annual state appropriations, contingent upon the county or authority signing a lease with a professional sports team on or after January 1, 2026. To access these funds, Clay County must match the state contribution dollar for dollar. kxcv.org+4KMBC+4Missouri Senate+4
This legislative action comes amid ongoing discussions about the future of the Kansas City Royals' stadium. In 2023, the Royals identified an 80-acre site in North Kansas City as a potential location for a new ballpark. However, Clay County Commissioner Jason Withington recently clarified that there have been no formal negotiations or offers between the county and the Royals. He emphasized the importance of transparency and stated that the team has only expressed interest in North Kansas City without providing a term sheet or specific deal terms.KMBC
While the establishment of the Sports Complex Authority does not guarantee the construction of a new stadium, it provides Clay County with the necessary framework to pursue such projects in the future. The authority's creation is seen as a proactive step to keep professional sports teams within Missouri, especially as neighboring Kansas has shown interest in attracting teams across the state line. Facebook+6The Beacon+6Sports Business Journal+6
Governor Kehoe has indicated the possibility of calling a special legislative session to further address stadium funding and incentives, underscoring the state's commitment to retaining its professional sports franchises. KMBC+2KMBC+2The Beacon+2
As the situation evolves, Clay County officials and residents await further developments regarding potential stadium projects and the future of the Royals in the region. Withington assured constituents that he will remain transparent. “If anything changes, I’ll keep this group updated.”
For now, the Royals’ interest remains just that—interest, not an agreement.
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