Royals Owner John Sherman Discusses New Stadium Plans

Sherman says downtown location remains the ideal, but other options in Kansas and Clay County are still being considered.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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In his first public comments in several months, Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman discussed the team's plans for a new stadium. While a downtown location remains the ideal scenario, Sherman said the team is still considering options on both sides of the state line, as well as in Clay County. Sherman emphasized the importance of finding a "public partner" to help fund the new stadium, noting that these are "community assets" that need to be secured for the long-term future of the team and city.

Why it matters

The Royals' stadium plans have been a major topic of discussion in Kansas City, as the team looks to replace the aging Kauffman Stadium. The decision on the new stadium location will have significant implications for the team's future in the region and the development of the surrounding area.

The details

Sherman said the team is no longer considering the Aspiria campus in Overland Park, Kansas, but still has "opportunities on that side of the state line." He also confirmed that Clay County remains an option. However, Sherman seemed to indicate that a downtown location is the team's preferred choice, as it would allow the Royals to be in the "heart of the city" and the "cultural part of the city." The team is seeking a "public partner" to help fund the new stadium, which Sherman sees as a key to keeping the Royals in Kansas City for generations to come.

  • In 2024, Jackson County voters turned down an extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have been used to help fund a new baseball stadium and refurbish Arrowhead Stadium.
  • The Royals' current lease at Kauffman Stadium expires after the 2030 season.

The players

John Sherman

The chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals, who acquired the team in 2019.

Quinton Lucas

The mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.

Phil LeVota

The interim Jackson County Executive.

Mike Kehoe

The governor of Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“Just like in any business, you have to be willing to adapt and be flexible to achieve that ultimate goal. But I think if you have your druthers, I would love to see us kind of in the heart of the city, in the cultural part of the city, where we can enhance maybe some things that are already going on and make it better.”

— John Sherman, Royals chairman and CEO (kansascity.com)

“These are community assets. I acquired this team ... because I certainly love baseball, and I Iove to compete. We love this city, and we want to make sure it's here long after we're gone.”

— John Sherman, Royals chairman and CEO (kansascity.com)

What’s next

The Royals are expected to announce a decision on the new ballpark location "sooner rather than later," according to Sherman. The team is currently in discussions with local and state officials to secure a public partner to help fund the new stadium.

The takeaway

The Royals' search for a new stadium location highlights the team's commitment to remaining in Kansas City long-term, as well as the challenges of securing public funding for major sports facilities in the modern era. The team's willingness to consider various options across the state line and in the Northland region suggests they are open to finding the best solution for the team and the community.