Royals, Chiefs admit defeat as stadium sales tax fails in Jackson County

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Royals will not be bringing baseball to downtown for now.

The Committee to Keep the Royals and Chiefs in Jackson County held a concession speech that was led by Royals Majority Owner John Sherman and followed by Chiefs President Mark Donovan, expressing their disappointment in the outcome at a watch party being hosted at J. Rieger Distillery in the East Bottoms.

“We’re deeply disappointed as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is far better off with the Chiefs and the Royals,” Sherman said. “This is a belief that I hold both professionally and personally as someone whose roots run deep in this town as someone who has been a dedicated fan or season ticket holder to both of these teams.”

A similar stadium sales tax in Jackson County cannot be brought before voters for one full year. Of course, the Chiefs and Royals can explore other options like Clay County, Wyandotte County, Kansas for relocation plans after the current lease expires in 2031.

READ MORE: Royals, Chiefs concede loss in stadium sales tax vote

“We just we feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County – we’re ready to extend the long standing partnership with the teams and enjoy with this county,” Donovan said. “This isn’t what we want.”

It’s hard to point to one thing that caused the doubt that Jackson County voters expressed at the polls. The delay in determining the location of the downtown baseball park, the delay in releasing the community benefits agreement or the delay in the ownership signing a lease agreement.

Negro League Museum President Bob Kendrick agreed that if the information would have arrived earlier it could have helped sway voters.

“I don’t know if there was one single thing that you could point out that said it may have shifted the vote, but I do think when people feel like they don’t know what they’re voting for, you have a tendency to fall,” Kendrick said. “We just have to be prepared to deal with whatever consequences.”

The “Yes on 1 Jackson County Committee” tweeted later Tuesday night they were disappointed in the result but respectful of the process.

“We respect the voters of Jackson County and the results of the election today,” the committee tweeted. “We are deeply disappointed, as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is far better off with the Chiefs and the Royals. We thank all who worked on this election for their time and commitment. We will take some time to process the outcome and reassess our options.”