Royals Owner Addresses Stadium Future

Royals owner John Sherman says team feels urgency to decide on new stadium location by 2031 lease expiration.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in shades of royal blue and powder blue, depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping, angular shapes and planes.The Royals' stadium decision will have a lasting impact on the team and the Kansas City region.Kansas City Today

Royals owner John Sherman acknowledged that the MLB team feels a sense of urgency in deciding where it will play beyond the 2031 season, when its lease at Kauffman Stadium is set to expire. The Royals have considered several stadium sites around the Kansas City metropolitan area, including locations in downtown Kansas City, across the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri, and potentially in Kansas City, Kansas.

Why it matters

The Royals' stadium decision will have major implications for the team's future and the development of the Kansas City region. With Kauffman Stadium aging, the team must find a new long-term home that meets modern stadium standards and fan expectations.

The details

The Royals have eliminated some potential stadium sites, including one in the suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, and are now focusing on locations in downtown Kansas City, across the Missouri River in Clay County, Missouri, and potentially in Kansas City, Kansas.

  • The Royals' lease at Kauffman Stadium is set to expire in 2031.

The players

John Sherman

The owner of the Kansas City Royals MLB team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Royals owner John Sherman acknowledged Monday that the Major League Baseball team feels a sense of urgency in deciding where it will play beyond the 2031 season, when its lease at aging but beloved Kauffman Stadium is due to expire.”

— John Sherman, Royals Owner

What’s next

The Royals are expected to make a decision on a new stadium location in the coming years as they work to secure a long-term home for the franchise.

The takeaway

The Royals' stadium decision will be a pivotal moment for the team and the Kansas City region, as the new facility will shape the franchise's future and the development of the surrounding area.