Royals Rule Out Aspiria Campus in Overland Park for New Stadium

Club says Kansas site does not meet criteria for a new world-class ballpark district

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:39am

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The Kansas City Royals have confirmed that the Aspiria campus in Overland Park, Kansas is no longer an option for the site of their new stadium and ballpark village. The team stated that after significant evaluation, they do not believe the Overland Park location meets their criteria for a new stadium. The Royals say they continue to evaluate opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area to create the best solution for the team, fans, partners, and community.

Why it matters

The Aspiria campus had been considered a leading contender for the Royals' new stadium, but the decision to rule it out leaves the team still searching for the ideal location. This development adds uncertainty to the Royals' future stadium plans and raises questions about where the team will ultimately end up.

The details

The Royals' affiliate purchased the mortgage on the Aspiria Campus in May 2026 as part of evaluating multiple options in both Missouri and Kansas. However, the team has now stated that after significant evaluation, they do not believe the Overland Park site meets their criteria for a new stadium. The concept of the Royals moving to Aspiria had drawn criticism from Leawood residents, and T-Mobile said it would relocate more than 3,500 employees from the Overland Park location.

  • In May 2026, a Royals affiliate purchased the mortgage on the Aspiria Campus.
  • In July 2026, Kansas lawmakers extended STAR bond legislation through June 30, 2026, following requests from both the Chiefs and Royals.
  • On December 31, 2025, a Kansas lawmaker shared that time was up for the Kansas Royals to possibly move to Kansas, despite Kansas law allowing for more time.

The players

Kansas City Royals

The professional baseball team that plays in Kansas City, Missouri and is searching for a new stadium location.

Aspiria Campus

A business campus located in Overland Park, Kansas that was previously considered as a potential site for a new Royals stadium.

Phil LeVota

The Jackson County Executive who is working to keep the Royals in Jackson County, Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“As stated when the Aspiria mortgage was acquired, the investment was made to maintain the site as an option for a new Kansas City Royals stadium. After significant evaluation, we do not believe this site meets our criteria for a stadium. We continue to evaluate opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area to create a world-class ballpark district.”

— Kansas City Royals (KCTV5)

“I am working to keep the Royals in the county.”

— Phil LeVota, Jackson County Executive (KCTV5)

What’s next

The Royals continue to evaluate potential stadium locations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota says he is working to keep the team in Jackson County, Missouri.

The takeaway

The Royals' decision to rule out the Aspiria campus in Overland Park as a potential stadium site leaves the team still searching for the ideal location for a new ballpark. This development adds uncertainty to the Royals' future plans and highlights the challenges of finding the right fit for a new stadium that meets the team's criteria while also addressing the concerns of local residents and businesses.