The Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County have agreed to principal terms for a new lease that keeps the team in Cincinnati playing home games at Paycor Stadium through June 2036, with 10 additional option years that could extend the lease through June 2046.
"This is a significant day for the Bengals and Hamilton County as we secure the team's future in Cincinnati," said Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn. "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 agreement supports a reasonable approach to modernize the 25-year-old stadium at a time where other communities are faced with multi-billion-dollar new stadium projects. The $470 million renovation project will maintain a best-in-class NFL stadium that attracts major concerts and events to Cincinnati. The Bengals will invest $120 million in the renovation project, covering 75% of new improvements to the stadium. The team and Hamilton County will continue to work collaboratively to secure meaningful funding from the State of Ohio to further support the renovation efforts.
View some of the top photos of Paycor Stadium over the last few years.
A general view of Paycor Stadium before an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Aerial shot of Paycor Stadium at sunset.
Paycor Stadium during Stripe The Jungle, Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Paycor Stadium, Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
Fans pack Paycor Stadium before an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)
Players huddle outside Paycor Stadium at Kettering Health Practice Fields, Thursday, August 31, 2023.
Paycor Stadium before Week 1 against the New England Patriots, Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Bengals helmets at Kettering Health Practice Fields outside Paycor Stadium, Monday, June 6, 2022.
Paycor Stadium ahead of the White Bengal game, Monday, September 25, 2023.
Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, is seen before NFL football practice on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
A general overall interior view of Paycor Stadium during an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
FILE -A general view of Paycor Stadium during an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn, File)
Paycor Stadium during Stripe The Jungle, Sunday, November 5, 2023.
A general view of Paycor Stadium as fans cheer as the Cincinnati Bengals take the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, is seen before NFL football practice on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Paycor Stadium during Stripe The Jungle, Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Paycor Stadium during Stripe The Jungle, Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Paycor Stadium, Wednesday, March 20, 2019.
Paycor Stadium during Stripe The Jungle, Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Paycor Stadium during Week 1 Open In Orange against the New England Patriots, Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Overhead shot of Paycor Stadium at sunset
Paycor Stadium opened in 2000 when the Bengals and Hamilton County came together with a goal of transforming Cincinnati's riverfront into a world-class sports and entertainment district. The Banks generates over $2.5 billion in annual economic impact, with the Bengals driving over $1 billion in annual economic impact. Under a new deal, the Bengals and Hamilton County are poised to continue transforming the riverfront, driving economic growth and delivering unforgettable moments for fans for years to come in downtown Cincinnati.
