Negotiations between the Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County over a lease extension for Paycor Stadium have stalled, leaving the team frustrated and impatient. The Bengals’ current lease expires in 2026, and the team has expressed a desire to extend the agreement. However, communications between the team and Hamilton County, the governmental entity responsible for the stadium, have been slow and lacking in substance.
In a letter to Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto on August 8, 2023, Bengals Vice President Troy Blackburn expressed concerns about the lack of political will for a deal. The Hamilton County Commissioners have since agreed to make $39 million in repairs and renovations, including new turf and club seating. While the Bengals appreciate the gesture, they believe it is insufficient to maintain the stadium’s competitiveness.
Aaron Herzig, an attorney for the Bengals, stated that the team views the county’s commitment as a “good start,” but not enough to keep the stadium up to par. He emphasized the urgent need for further action and clarity from the county.
From the county’s perspective, a $300 million commitment to upgrade the stadium requires more than a five-year extension of the lease. Commissioner Alicia Reece has urged the NFL to contribute at least $100 million to the project, with additional funding from the Bengals, Ohio, and Hamilton County.
The situation has become even more pressing as the Bengals must decide by June 2025 whether to exercise the first of five two-year extensions of the lease. If they decline that option, they will be on track for geographic free agency after the 2026 season, opening up the possibility of relocation. The Bengals are eager to secure a long-term future in Cincinnati, but they need a commitment from Hamilton County to invest in Paycor Stadium. The clock is ticking, and the Bengals are running out of patience.
