Hamilton County Reshuffles Legal Team Before Bengals Deadline

Hamilton County has dismissed longtime stadium negotiator Tom Gabelman and is considering hiring Dinsmore & Shohl for Cincinnati Bengals stadium and Banks riverfront negotiations, and Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease for the Cincinnati Reds and Great American Ballpark matters. The Bengals must notify the county by June 30 whether they will extend their Paycor Stadium lease, which expires in 2026. Renovations to the stadium are projected to cost $830 million over four phases. The Bengals raised concerns about a stadium consultant who also works for the Cleveland Browns, questioning potential conflicts of interest. County officials believe new legal counsel is needed to overcome stalled negotiations and strained communications. The county commissioners will soon vote on the appointments of the new law firms as both sides aim to reach a long-term agreement.