Hamilton County Strike $185M Deal for Paycor Stadium Upgrades
Hamilton County is preparing to spend $185 million to soup up Paycor Stadium as part of a newly unveiled deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks the first phase of what could, eventually, become an $830 million overhaul of the 24-year-old facility.
RELATED: Bengals Secure Future with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Extensions
Inside the Deal
The deal does not include a lease extension. The Bengals’ current lease expires in 2026, though it includes several two-year extensions. The county and the team have until June 30th to reach a new long-term agreement or activate the first extension.
Under the proposed plan, the Bengals will contribute $120 million toward renovations, funded through a combination of team money and G-5 financing from the NFL. That financing requires the team to match the NFL’s contribution and partner with a public entity.
RELATED: Report: Bengals All-Pro DE Trey Hendrickson Granted Permission to Seek Trade
“The $120 million private investment from the Bengals and the NFL marks an unprecedented commitment in the history of Paycor Stadium,” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “Never before has the NFL invested in our public asset, and never before have the Bengals invested so much.”
The team’s investment would cover improvements to East and West Club Lounges, a full renovation of the stadium’s 132 suites, upgraded concession areas, and beautification efforts across entryways, concourses, and public plazas.
Meanwhile, the county will contribute $64.5 million toward infrastructure-focused upgrades such as new elevators, stairs, and escalators; suite seating replacements; glass repairs; electrical system upgrades; and a new Junglevision control room.
An additional $16 million will cover maintenance and capital repairs tied to the existing lease.
If approved, construction would begin in 2026, with design and engineering work starting later this year.
RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals DE Sam Hubbard Announces Retirement
This $185 million package is intended to be just the beginning. County officials say it’s the first installment of a multi-phase plan to revamp the stadium by 2029. Each of the three to four phases are expected to cost around $210 million.
Last week, Hamilton County and the Bengals formally asked the state of Ohio for $350 million in support, The current agreement calls for “fair and equitable contributions” from all three.
- 2026 Cincinnati Music Festival Weekend [PHOTOS + VIDEOS]
- Rickey Smiley Morning Show LIVE From Fountain Square [PHOTOS + VIDEOS]
- 2026 Cincinnati Music Festival: Everything You Need to Know
- 20 Songs We Want to Hear at Cincinnati Music Festival
- Rooftops to Hit in Cincinnati This Summer
- Bengals Announce ‘White Bengal Stripe’ for NYE Game
- Orlando Brown Jr. makes bold statement about Bengals offensive line
- Adrien Broner Is Serious About His Weight Loss & Comeback – But Can He Get Out Of His Own Way?
- Joe Burrow Ranked Among NFL’s Best Heading Into 2026 Season
- Ohio Named the Best State for Business in America
