The Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County finalized a landmark deal on June 27, 2025, securing the team's future at Paycor Stadium through at least 2035.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget the offseason rumors and the player movement chatter for a moment. The biggest Cincinnati Bengals news of the year dropped today, and it has nothing to do with a single down of football. On Friday, the Bengals and Hamilton County officially secured the team's future in the Queen City, finalizing a landmark agreement that ensures Paycor Stadium will remain the Jungle for at least another decade.
We are proud to call Paycor Stadium our home and to keep our future here in Cincinnati, where it belongs.
The deal that Who Dey Nation has been waiting for is done. The agreement keeps the Bengals in Cincinnati through the 2035-36 NFL season, with options to extend all the way to 2046. More than just a lease, this is a massive investment in the fan experience and the city's riverfront. A $470 million modernization project for Paycor Stadium is at the core of the deal, with Hamilton County financing $350 million and the Bengals organization committing a hefty $120 million of their own. For the first time, the team will also pay rent, starting at $1 million annually. Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn summed up the monumental day perfectly, expressing gratitude to the county commissioners for their support.
As if the stadium news wasn't enough, Bengals ownership followed up with a powerful message directly to the fanbase. In a statement shared widely across social media, the team reaffirmed its loyalty to the city that has supported it for decades. 'Our football team, our franchise, and our family do what we do for you,' the message read. In an era where franchise relocation is a constant threat, this public pledge, combined with the massive financial commitment of the new lease, feels like a definitive statement. The Bengals aren't just staying; they're doubling down on their Cincinnati identity.
While the Bengals were securing their home front, the winds of change were swirling elsewhere in the division. Reports surfaced today that a key AFC North rival is exploring a trade for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Miami Dolphins have put the star defender on the trade block, and his potential arrival in the division could seriously shake up the defensive landscape. While Cincinnati isn't in the mix for Ramsey, his presence on a rival's roster would be a significant new challenge for Joe Burrow and the offense. It's a stark reminder that even on a day of celebration, the grind of the divisional arms race never stops.
Today was a monumental victory for the Cincinnati Bengals and their fans. With long-term stability secured and Paycor Stadium set for a major facelift, the organization can turn its full attention to the field. And with rivals already looking to load up on talent like Jalen Ramsey, that focus will be needed more than ever. The future is bright and it's firmly planted in Cincinnati. Now, let the countdown to the preseason on August 10th truly begin.
