If the Browns are going to get state funding, the Bengals should too.
The Cincinnati Bengals, along with Hamilton County, have released their potential renovation plans for Paycor Stadium while petitioning the state of Ohio for $350 million to help fund the project, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.
This seems like the first positive step the two sides have taken together. They’re currently up against a June 30th deadline to sign the first of five rolling two-year lease extensions. If this deadline passes, it means the Bengals could technically play wherever they wanted after the 2026 season. They have, however, stated they wish to stay right where they’re at, it’s just progress between the Brown/Blackburn families and the county has been slow.
As for the $350 million from the state, the current budget, approved by the Ohio House of Representatives, includes $600 million in bonds, which will go to the Browns so they can build a domed stadium. It appears as if the Bengals and the county are trying to get their proposal, which is just over half of Cleveland’s, in the budget before it’s finalized. If it’s included, the two NFL stadiums will be the only two getting funds from the state.
County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas spoke with The Cincinnati Enquirer on Thursday once they submitted their proposal, and expressed her frustration with the fact the state has earmarked funds for the Browns when the Bengals’ stadium lease is up first.
“My concern is the fact the state budget seems to be focusing more on the Cleveland Browns,” she said. “Our lease ends before theirs. Just wondering why is there so much focus on the Browns. It’s not due to lack of effort on our part.”
This is the first positive step we’ve seen in a while, and hopefully, it’s a step in the right direction that will get the two sides to sign on the dotted line before June 30th.
