Kansas City Stadium Study Projected $1.4 Billion Revenue
A new financial report outlines a tax-funded plan to support the proposed Royals stadium construction.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Baseball
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Hunden Partners has released a report projecting that a new Royals stadium impact district will generate $1.4 billion in tax revenue through 2059. The proposal includes a tax increment financing plan to support the city's $600 million construction contribution.
Why it matters
The plan relies on redirecting tax revenue from over 1,700 local businesses to cover stadium bond obligations. This strategy aims to leverage $2 billion in private investment to offset the public funding required for the 2030 facility.
The proposed 4-square-mile district is expected to see 2,101,633 annual attendees in its first year, compared to the current 21,590 average at Kauffman Stadium. The model anticipates redirecting $460 million in on-site tax revenue over a 30-year period.
The players
Hunden Partners
This real estate and economic development consulting firm specializes in feasibility studies for sports, entertainment, and hospitality projects.
Kansas City City Council
This local governing body holds the legislative authority to approve city budgets, tax policies, and infrastructure financing plans for public projects.
The details
The project would utilize tax revenue from food, beverage, hotel, public safety, and park sales within the district bounded by State Line Road, Brooklyn Avenue, 31st Street, and Interstate-670. Revenue from game-day on-street parking would also be redirected to service construction bond interest.
Timeline
October 2026: City Council is scheduled to consider the tax increment financing plan.
April 2027: Voters will consider an ordinance requiring approval for future stadium projects.
2030 season: The new Royals stadium is scheduled to open.
30 years: Duration for redirecting on-site and district tax revenue for bond coverage.
Through 2059: Total timeframe for the projected $1.4 billion in tax revenue availability.
Season Trajectory
The proposed stadium financing model directly impacts the long-term competitive balance and infrastructure footprint of Kansas City sports. This roadmap sets the stage for a 2030 transition that could redefine the franchise's geographic presence and local economic footprint for decades.
The proposed stadium infrastructure would consolidate venue access within a 4-square-mile district, potentially altering traffic and local business operations for residents near the site. The financial plan specifically hinges on redirecting tax revenue from existing neighborhood hotels and restaurants to service stadium debt.
The takeaway
Large-scale stadium projects frequently utilize complex district-wide tax redirection to secure public funding for construction bonds. Residents should monitor the upcoming 2027 vote as it could establish new oversight requirements for future municipal infrastructure developments.
What happens next
The City Council is set to review the proposed tax increment financing plan in October 2026, followed by a public vote on a stadium approval ordinance in April 2027.
Further reading
For more details on the team's facility plans, visit Kansas City Baseball.
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Should local business tax revenue be used to fund the construction of new professional sports stadiums?
