Baseball fans and leaders in both Jackson and Clay County have been waiting for the Kansas City Royals to officially select the site of the team's new stadium and ballpark district. After a letter in July from Royals CEO John Sherman promising an announcement by the end of September, it now appears the decision-making process is entering a seventh-inning stretch rather than the bottom of the ninth. In a press release from the Major League Baseball ball club on Wednesday, the team said it would not have a site selected by the end of the month. The Royals did not provide an exact timeframe for when it would make a decision. The team has narrowed down its future stadium plans to two proposals, each an approximately $2 billion ballpark district that will not only build a new home for the Royals but will also create restaurants, hotels, and stores.The team released renderings and details on the finalist sites in August, one in the East Village and one in North Kansas City. Jackson County Executive and former Royals player Frank White has been accused of holding up the decision-making process. The Chair of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority told KMBC the county is not holding up negotiations. The team was complimentary in its statement of both prospective counties courting the proposed ballpark district. "We’ve been encouraged by the engagement of leaders in Jackson County and Clay County, with recent meetings furthering our progress in a meaningful way," The Royals said. The team did say that it planned to provide clarity to local leaders and the Chiefs — who currently share the lease of the Truman Sports Complex with Royals — in enough time for the public to be fully informed for a vote on a proposal in April 2024. It remains unclear exactly how a stadium in either county would be funded. An extension of the current 3/8 cent sales tax funding renovations at Kauffman Stadium, could be possible in Jackson County. Complete statement from the Royals:"Our site evaluation process is moving thoughtfully and directly, including a regular cadence of focused meetings with respected and designated negotiators with both counties in discussions on our next lease."We’ve been encouraged by the engagement of leaders in Jackson County and Clay County, with recent meetings furthering our progress in a meaningful way. Leaders in both counties know a critical piece of the evaluation process will be negotiated lease terms so that the Royals, our future partner, and most importantly the voters can know what to expect. With the framework of our current lease and willing partners on all sides, we are optimistic that the process will result in a win-win for the Royals and our next home."Although we will not have a site selected by the end of this month, we are more confident than ever that a world-class ballpark and surrounding district for entertainment, retail and housing will build on our region’s momentum, serve our citizens well, and further establish Kansas City as a top tier destination for tourists."Leaders in both Jackson County and Clay County know that we and the Chiefs need clarity on our stadium plans in time for the public to be fully informed for a vote in April 2024. We take our responsibilities very seriously to act in the best interests of both the Royals and our region, and we will continue our work to make sure this project is done right."Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas tweeted out a brief response to the Royals announcement of the delay. Previous Royals Stadium coverage:Kansas City Royals share renderings for new stadium options at Kansas City, North Kansas CityLetter from KC Royals CEO: 'We hear you' team to make new stadium decision by end of SeptemberKansas City Royals owner says stadium location will likely be selected by the end of summerKansas City Royals down to 2 sites in search for new stadiumKansas construction company has its own idea for a downtown Royals stadium'Unseen costs': Economic impact at heart of debate for proposed Kansas City Royals stadium