KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the 2025 Missouri legislative session enters its final week, a state senator believes it’s either Clay County or bust for the Kansas City Royals to remain in Missouri.
Missouri Sen. Maggie Nurrrenbern (D-Clay County) told KSHB 41 News reporter Megan Abundis on Monday that she believes if the Royals are going to stay in Missouri, it will be at a site in North Kansas City in Clay County.
“I think the team, quite frankly, has made it very clear that it is the Clay County site or they will leave the state of Missouri,” Nurrenbern said Monday.
Watch Megan's report in the video player below:
But Clay County officials will need help in getting a proposal past the finish line.
Earlier this year, Nurrenbern introduced Senate Bill 710, which would create the Clay County Sports Complex Authority. The bill was later merged into Senate Bill 80.
The authority would be tasked with “developing, maintaining or operating sports, convention, exhibition or trade facilities” in Clay County, similar to the role of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
“This week, Senate Bill 80 sits on the calendar in the Missouri House of Representatives, and we expect debate to happen soon,” Nurrenbern said Monday. “Nothing is over until it’s over — there are no guarantees, but I do think there is a real path and a real possibility of getting it done this week.”
KSHB 41 News reached out to the Royals for comment. They did not provide a response as of 6 p.m. Monday.
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas met with Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman at 4 p.m. Monday.
Following the meeting, a spokesperson for the mayor said it was not Lucas' understanding that Clay County is the only option.
"We look forward to our ongoing work with the Royals, state leadership, and Kansas City government to ensure the Royals have the support and resources to build our next great downtown MLB stadium," the mayor's spokesperson said. "We are grateful for state resources that can support all communities.”
Nurrenbern said through her pathway, there would not be a need for direct state appropriation. Instead, tax revenue would be generated over a 25-year period.
“This is not the state coming in and building the stadium for the team; this is just a piece of the pie," she said. "I expect that the ownership will contribute a significant amount of money."
Across from the Clay County Courthouse is Brant’s Clothing, a sports store that is counting on a lasting Royals legacy. For Scott Brant, that means the team staying in the Kansas City metro.
“My kids want to work here someday,” Brant said. “We’ve been here for four generations. We enjoy selling Royals and Chiefs merchandise.”
Right on Liberty Square, Brant is all about the talk of the team.
“We’d love for the stadium to be in Clay County,” he said. “Whatever works at this point. They just need to find the resources at this point, which include money, property and friends.”
KSHB 41 News spoke with Gov. Mike Kehoe on Monday.
“Our position has been very clear: we want the Royals staying in Missouri,” he said.
Kehoe said he’s talked with Jackson County and Clay County leaders. Now, he wants to find the best ideas to ultimately make sure the Royals have options.
“They’ll have some options to look at, I’m pretty confident of that,” Kehoe said. “It’ll be a good return on investment for taxpayers, and it keeps the teams in Missouri to where we continue to have that economic result of having the teams here.”
The governor’s spokesperson also released a statement:
"Governor Kehoe has been working for months to develop a competitive package to keep both the Royals and the Chiefs in Missouri where they belong. He views these projects as important economic development retention projects. Since the first days of the administration, Governor Kehoe has had many conversations with both teams, legislators, and community leaders on how to make this happen.
"Choosing a location is a business decision that must be made by the teams, and any proposed tools put forward by the state will work in whatever Missouri location they select.
"Local support will be critical to keeping the teams in Missouri. The state’s role is critical, but no more so than the locals who must also be committed to finding solutions.
"We believe the state’s proposal will be competitive to keep these major economic engines in the state, while also being a good deal for taxpayers."
KSHB 41's Megan Abundis heard from a couple of Royals fans on where they'd like to see the stadium. One said she was in favor of the Clay County location.
“I’d vote for Clay County in North Kansas City,” said fan Debbie Wunsch. “Location, parking, it’s still within reason of Kansas and Missouri.”
Another fan said anywhere works for him as long as the team stays in the state.
“Definitely don’t want to see it go to Kansas. I wanna see it in Missouri; I think it’s the best compromise,” said Rick Grindel, Royals fan.
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KSHB 41 reporter Megan Abundis covers Kansas City, Missouri, including neighborhoods in the southern part of the city. Share your story idea with Megan.
