Stadium Funding Face-Off: Browns Gain Ground, Bengals Struggle
CINCINNATI — April 18, 2025 — The Cincinnati Bengals’ stadium funding request is facing important opposition. the team and Hamilton County have asked Ohio for $350 million for Paycor Stadium renovations,but Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman has voiced concerns about the proposal.The speaker has stated his disapproval, which could jeopardize the project. If the request fails, the Bengals may need to seek alternate solutions.
Stadium Funding Face-Off: Browns Gain Ground,Bengals Struggle
A Tale of Two Stadiums
While the Cleveland Browns are making headway toward securing a $600 million bond issuance for a new stadium in the Cleveland area,the Cincinnati Bengals are facing significant hurdles in their pursuit of $350 million for renovations to Paycor Stadium.
Huffman’s Stance: A Roadblock for the bengals
Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman has voiced his opposition to the Bengals’ current funding proposal. Huffman’s disapproval stems from the nature of the request: a $350 million upfront cash infusion.
I did meet with the Bengals and [Hamilton] Commissioner [Denise] Driehaus a few months ago or weeks ago, and basically they’re talking about a $350 million cash upfront. . . which is similar to what the Browns were trying to do a couple of years ago.
Huffman elaborated on his stance during an appearance on 700WLW.
I don’t support that. I don’t think the public supports it.
Did You Know?
Public funding for NFL stadiums is a contentious issue nationwide. Many taxpayers are wary of subsidizing private enterprises with public money.
A Potential Path Forward
Huffman hinted at a willingness to reconsider his position if the Bengals adopt a funding strategy similar to the Browns, one that potentially shields taxpayers from financial risk or even generates revenue.
I do support, you know, something similar that if the Bengals and the City of Cincinnati and the county and, you know, can come together with a similar kind of plan, we ought to consider doing that where the taxpayers are held harmless or in the case of the browns, they can actually make money.
The Clock is Ticking
The Bengals and Hamilton County face a looming deadline of June 30 to exercise a two-year extension of their existing lease at Paycor Stadium. Failure to secure an extension would mean the lease expires after the upcoming season, potentially opening the door for the team to relocate.
could, I guess, go wherever we wanted after this year.
Bengals executive V.P. Katie Blackburn
Pro Tip
Negotiating stadium leases and funding requires careful consideration of public sentiment, economic impact, and the long-term viability of the team and the community.
A Call to Action
The message to the Bengals and Hamilton County is clear: a revised funding proposal is needed, and it’s needed quickly. The current request for $350 million in cash appears to be a non-starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the Bengals’ current funding request?
A: The Bengals are seeking $350 million for stadium renovations. - Q: Why is the funding request facing opposition?
A: Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman opposes the current proposal,citing concerns about taxpayer burden. - Q: What is the deadline for the Bengals to extend their lease?
A: the deadline is June 30. - Q: what happens if the Bengals don’t extend their lease?
A: The lease expires after the upcoming season, potentially allowing the team to relocate.
