Bengals in mad scramble for $1bn stadium pot amid financial fallout of Browns’ new domed venue
The Cleveland Browns have sparked an Ohio-wide scramble for a share of a $1 billion million pot.
State lawmakers approved a measure to allocate money from the unclaimed funds program toward stadium construction or renovation.
$600 million of that is going to the Browns and their new domed arena, leaving the NFL rival Cincinnati Bengals fighting for a share of the pie.
There is plenty of competition with MLB’s Guardians, NBA’s Cavaliers, NHL’s Blue Jackets, MLS’ FC Cincinnati, and Minor League Baseball’s Columbus Clippers, Akron RubberDucks, Dayton Dragons, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, and Lake County Captains among those to make a case.
Per Front Office Sports, the claims range from the Captains asking for a $100,000 boost to Classic Auto Group Park, to the Bengals asking for $234.2 million toward renovations of Paycor Stadium.
That money would be on top of the $470 million already allocated.
FOS’ report says that $689 million has been requested, meaning some will be left short-changed.
Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management will review the application, but there has been a delay as there is a lawsuit pending which aims to prevent the use of the funds, which are formed of forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks and other sources.
Democratic lawmakers argued that the move is unconstitutional at state and federal levels and a Franklin County judge has issued a temporary block.
The Browns are hoping to move into their new home by 2029, with the groundbreaking set for April 30.
Bengals sign up until 2036
But while the Browns decided to leave their lakefront home, the Bengals are staying put after threatening to leave Cincinnati.
After tense negotiations, the team will contribute $120 million, through the help of the NFL (G-5 loan), while the county will provide the other $350 million.
After 2036, there are five two-year options that could extend the lease all the way up to 2046.
“It is a historic moment,” said Denise Driehaus the commissioner of Hamilton County at the time.
“This is a significant day for the Bengals and Hamilton County as we secure the team’s future in Cincinnati,” added Bengals spokesperson.
“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 Bengals were founded in 1967 and have only ever represented the Queen City.
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With the stadium’s future secure, on-field success is the next priority.
The Bengals spent big to tie down Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
That has left little cap space for a problematic defense, and the unit could get even worse in 2026.
Trey Hendrickson — one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL — is leaving when the free agency window opens.
“To the organization: Thank you for the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level,” he wrote. “The last five years have been filled with great wins and tough losses. Personal achievements and humbling adversities.
“I was and always will be proud to have worn the Cincinnati Bengals logo and honor the history behind it.”
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