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Clay County Pulls Out of Royals Ballpark Talks After Missed Ballot Deadline

Clay County stepped back after a missed ballot deadline, leaving Kansas City, Missouri as the active local negotiator.

Overview

  • Clay County Commissioner Jason Withington said negotiations are a "closed chapter," citing repeated delays by the team.
  • Withington said the Royals told the county they were not ready to meet a Jan. 8 deadline to qualify for an April 2026 ballot measure.
  • Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas said discussions with the club continue toward a taxpayer-responsible deal and ongoing downtown site work.
  • Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act advanced in the House and awaits Senate action, proposing state bonds covering up to half of stadium costs plus limited tax credits.
  • Kansas’ STAR bonds offer expired at the end of 2025, and Kansas officials have said they are done negotiating with the team.