Royals Explore Downtown Stadium Move

Team owner John Sherman discusses plans to relocate franchise and develop surrounding area.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:02pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and perspectives of a baseball stadium and surrounding cityscape, rendered in a palette of deep blues, rich reds, and vibrant yellows.The Royals' proposed downtown stadium project aims to transform Kansas City's urban core through a dynamic mixed-use development anchored by a new ballpark.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Royals have been publicly discussing plans to move the franchise's home stadium to downtown Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly five years. Team owner John Sherman first broached the idea around three years ago, as part of a broader vision to develop the area surrounding a potential new ballpark.

Why it matters

A downtown Royals stadium would represent a major shift for the franchise, which has played at Kauffman Stadium on the city's outskirts since 1973. The proposed move aims to revitalize the city center and capitalize on increased foot traffic and economic activity that a new ballpark could generate.

The details

Sherman and Royals leadership have been in talks with city officials about potential sites and development plans for a downtown stadium. The team sees an opportunity to anchor a broader mixed-use project that could include retail, residential, and entertainment components to transform the urban core.

  • The Royals first publicly discussed moving downtown nearly 5 years ago, in 2021.
  • Team owner John Sherman initially broached the idea around 3 years ago, in 2023.

The players

John Sherman

The owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team, who has been spearheading the push to relocate the franchise's home stadium to downtown Kansas City.

Kansas City Royals

The Major League Baseball team that has played at Kauffman Stadium on the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri since 1973, and is now exploring a move to the city's downtown area.

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What they’re saying

“We see a downtown stadium as a way to not only revitalize the city center, but also create a dynamic mixed-use development that will benefit the entire community.”

— John Sherman, Owner, Kansas City Royals

What’s next

The Royals and city officials will continue discussions about potential sites and development plans for a downtown stadium, with the goal of finalizing a proposal in the next 12-18 months.

The takeaway

The Royals' potential move downtown represents an ambitious effort to transform the city's urban core and capitalize on the economic and community benefits a new ballpark could bring. If successful, it could serve as a model for other sports franchises looking to deepen their ties to their local communities.