Cincinnati Bengals Sign $470 Million Paycor Stadium Deal to Stay Through 2036

By Jason Bolton June 30, 2025 06:30

The Cincinnati Bengals have taken a major step to secure their future in downtown Cincinnati by agreeing to a $470 million renovation deal for Paycor Stadium, coupled with an 11-year lease extension through June 2036, with options to extend up to 21 years total, potentially keeping the team at the venue until 2046. This landmark agreement, announced on June 26, 2025, marks a significant commitment from both the Bengals and Hamilton County to maintain the stadium as a premier NFL venue and a centerpiece of Cincinnati’s riverfront.

Paycor Stadium, formerly known as Paul Brown Stadium, has been home to the Bengals since its opening in 2000. The 66,000-seat stadium was originally constructed at a cost of $455 million. Now, after 25 years, the facility is set for a comprehensive upgrade to ensure it meets modern standards and enhances fan experience. The $470 million renovation plan is notably less than the Bengals’ initial $830 million proposal, reflecting a compromise between the team and local officials.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamilton County will contribute $350 million, while the Bengals and the NFL’s G-5 loan program will cover the remaining $120 million. Both parties also intend to seek additional funding from the state of Ohio, though no state funds have been committed yet. The renovations are expected to take two to three years to complete, with specifics on the improvements still under wraps. However, the Bengals have proposed upgrades to club lounges, stadium suites, concessions, and scoreboards, aiming to modernize the fan experience and stadium amenities.

A key aspect of the new lease is that it marks the first time the Bengals will pay rent for the stadium. The team will pay $1 million annually for the first three years, increasing to $2 million plus a minimum 2.5% inflation adjustment for the remaining eight years. This financial structure represents a shift from the previous lease, where the Bengals paid no rent but covered a smaller share of maintenance costs. Now, the Bengals will contribute 25% of renovation costs, a notable increase from the prior 12%, while the county’s share decreases to 75%. Hamilton County officials have highlighted that this public contribution is comparatively lower than recent stadium deals in cities like Baltimore and Charlotte.

Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn emphasized the importance of the deal, stating, “This is a significant day for the Bengals and Hamilton County as we secure the team’s future in Cincinnati. We thank the Hamilton County Commissioners for supporting this agreement to ensure Paycor Stadium remains an excellent venue and a focal point for Cincinnati’s riverfront. We are proud to call Paycor Stadium our home and to keep our future here in Cincinnati, where it belongs”.

The lease extension removes uncertainty about the Bengals’ location, effectively ruling out relocation rumors and anchoring the franchise firmly in Cincinnati for at least the next decade. The agreement also includes options for five additional two-year extensions after 2036, allowing flexibility to extend the lease up to 21 years in total.

Local government leaders expressed cautious optimism, balancing the benefits of retaining the Bengals with concerns over public spending. Commissioner Alicia Reece abstained from the vote, citing worries about the county’s financial commitments. Nonetheless, the deal passed with a 2-0 vote, signaling broad support for keeping the Bengals downtown.

In summary, the $470 million Paycor Stadium renovation and lease extension deal represents a pivotal moment for Cincinnati’s NFL franchise. It promises to modernize a beloved venue, stabilize the team’s home for years to come, and maintain the Bengals’ integral role in the city’s sports and cultural landscape. As the renovations commence, Bengals fans can look forward to an enhanced game-day experience while knowing their team’s future remains rooted in Cincinnati.