TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson says he believes the Kansas City Royals are coming to Kansas despite appearances that the decision will not be made, as previously stated, by the end of this year.
Senator Masterson’s office Thursday stated that his belief the Royals are committed to crossing the border meets the obligation set by the Legislative Coordinating Council, the body that set a December 31 deadline for either KC team to accept the state’s tax incentives for stadium construction. Sen. Masterson says the Royals’ proposal will not be finalized during the upcoming legislative session, and saved any further comment for after the LCC meeting scheduled next week.
The LCC meets Monday, Dec. 22. Sen. Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins have both previously said they had no interest in extending those incentives into next year. Rep. Hawkins repeated that Thursday, insisting the teams reach a decision by Dec. 31.
Sen. Masterson later clarified he did not mean the deadline has been altered.
“While I believe the Royals are committed to relocating to Kansas, this does not alter the procedural deadline set by the Legislative Coordinating Council for December 31, 2025,” Sen. Masterson said.
As for the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas Department of Commerce told 13 NEWS Thursday that it is still pursuing a deal with the team.
“The Kansas Department of Commerce continues to conduct a careful analysis of costs and benefits as part of crafting agreements to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the region while maximizing growth opportunities for Kansas,” Commerce Communications Director Patrick Lowry said. “Because all major economic development projects require discretion and confidentiality, the department will have no further comment regarding negotiations.”
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