SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Royals’ stadium search remains ongoing, but comments from Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas about keeping the Royals in Kansas City did not go unnoticed by the team, which remains in negotiations with political leaders about a move.
In Lucas’ annual State of the City address last week, he detailed his priorities for the end of terms, stating that the city “will get a deal done” in 2026 for a downtown Royals stadium.
"We will get a deal done in 2026 that’s fair and transparent for our taxpayers, our future and our team," Lucas said.
During the first full squad workout in Surprise on Monday, Royals CEO/chairman John Sherman said he appreciates Lucas’ work and dedication to moving the Royals downtown.
As far as when there might be a resolution, Sherman did not have a timeline for a decision, only saying that he thinks a deal will come “sooner rather than later.” The Royals’ lease at the Truman Sports Complex, where Kauffman Stadium is located, ends after the 2030 season.
“We’re not settled yet anywhere, but I would tell you that I don’t think that we’re that far away,” Sherman said. “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 I don’t mean they weren’t working hard, but from the governor on down, there’s a lot of effort being put forth. We’re still evaluating Kansas, and we’re still evaluating multiple locations in Missouri, but I do appreciate the effort that’s being put forth, not only by the mayor but by the governor.”
The Royals have explored options around the Kansas City metro, including Washington Square Park downtown, near Union Station and Crown Center. While the team publicly has taken the Aspiria campus in Overland Park off the table, Sherman said they continue to look at other options in Kansas. There have also been talks about a location in North Kansas City (Clay County), although leaders there say negotiations have ended.
“These are always hard, complicated processes,” Sherman said. “None of them are short, by the way. If you look at history, they’re always long. They’re multi-jurisdictional, public-private partnerships. They’re complicated. But 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. But this is a generational decision. It’s very strategic, and we’ve got to get it right.”
At Royals Rally last month, Sherman acknowledged that he is partial to downtown baseball and all that comes with that, although he also said the business side of the decision is important. He reiterated that stance Monday.
“This is a business, and we have to be open minded about where to locate this, but I still have a bias for baseball being in the heart of the city, in the cultural center of the city, and to have the ability to make it better,” Sherman said. “If that happens, that’s going to be best for the community and city at large. But we have to make sure we make the right long-term decision for the club as well.”