Bengals, Hamilton County Clash Over Stadium Lease

Tensions between the Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County have escalated as both parties accuse each other of violating their 1997 stadium lease agreement for Paycor Stadium. Bengals management claims the county has defaulted by failing to reimburse the team for game day expenses and delaying necessary renovations, while the county counters that the Bengals have been disingenuous and did not comply with bidding requirements for proposed renovations. In July 2024, the Bengals revoked all lease extension offers, stating that negotiations had become 'useless.' Recent correspondence reveals that while discussions continue, significant friction remains, raising concerns about the team's future in Cincinnati as the lease expires in 2026. The ongoing dispute underscores the complexities of public-private partnerships in sports facility management. Both sides are under pressure to resolve their differences to ensure the stadium remains a viable asset for the community.