The Cincinnati Bengals’ lease at Paycor Stadium is set to expire on June 30, 2026, but they have the option to extend it for two additional five-year terms. The first option must be exercised by the end of June 2025—but it’s not a sure thing.
Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn addressed the team’s stadium situation during the NFL’s annual league meetings. While expressing a strong desire to remain in Cincinnati, she emphasized that key decisions are still ahead.
“We love where we are,” Blackburn said. “I’m a big proponent of being downtown. I think the stadium’s location is great for the city. But the facility needs to be kept up and competitive.”
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She noted that while the team enjoys its relationship with Hamilton County, significant upgrades are necessary to keep the stadium up to modern standards. Renovations could exceed $1.25 billion.
“We’re taking it one day at a time,” Blackburn added. “We’ll make decisions at the appropriate time.”
When asked about the possibility of relocating, Blackburn didn’t issue any ultimatums but acknowledged the Bengals could choose to go in a different direction if the lease option isn’t picked up.
“We could go where we wanted after this year if we don’t pick the option up,” she said. “We’re having discussions and hope the county is as focused on finding a beneficial path forward as we are.”
She also confirmed the team has been working hard on both lease extension talks and renovation plans. “It’s about getting everyone aligned and moving in the same direction. There’s still a lot of work to do.”
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