Kansas City leaders introduce legislation to bring Royals Downtown

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Kansas City Mayor, Quinton Lucas, along with City Council colleagues introduced legislation that would bring a new Royals ballpark to Washington Square Park and Crown Center.

The proposed Downtown Baseball District is a $1.9 billion investment with no new taxes, a 30-year lease and community benefits for parks, playgrounds and recreation centers throughout the city.

"The new Royals Downtown Stadium is not just a stadium development. When completed, it will be the largest single economic development project in the history of Downtown Kansas City," Lucas said in a statement on X. "The project, with a current estimated investment of $1.9 billion into our city's workers, our businesses and our Downtown, will deliver tens of thousands of guests to Downtown Kansas City 81 additional nights er year and build a year round catalyst for jobs and activity in the core of our city."

Today, Mayor Lucas and Council colleagues will introduce legislation to bring the Royals downtown.

A new $1.9 billion ballpark at Washington Square Park and Crown Center would be the largest economic development project in downtown KC history, with no new taxes and community… pic.twitter.com/ljHTnRO7vE

— Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) April 9, 2026

According to the ordinance, the City of Kansas City would contribute up to $600 million.

Other funding sources include state funding under the Show-Me Sports Investment Act, which provides state funding of up to 50% of the total projects that cost at least $500 million.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which subsidies redevelopment by using anticipated future increases in property tax revenue to fund infrastructure improvements, is also on the table for $250,000, as well as Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) tax credits.

Additionally private investment by the Royals and affiliates are included in the $1.9 billion plan.

Kansas City Councilman, Nathan Willett, who represents residents north of the Missouri River, was one of two councilmen not to co-sponsor the legislation. Councilman Johnathan Duncan was the other.

Willett released a statement on his decision Thursday afternoon on X, saying "public feedback is crucial before voting on any stadium proposal."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 9th, 2026

“Public feedback is crucial before voting on any stadium proposal. I did not join my other colleagues in sponsoring the proposed legislation.

Any proposal should be approved by the taxpayers of Kansas City. In the meantime, I will make… pic.twitter.com/SvruLFUuSw

— Nathan Willett (@NathanNotNate) April 9, 2026

Duncan shared the same sentiment on X, "CM Willett is absolutely correct, this public investment should go to a vote of the people."