The Cincinnati Bengals and Hamilton County have made a surprise request to Ohio lawmakers for $350 million to help fund renovations to Paycor Stadium.

Lawmakers caught off guard

The request represents approximately 42% of an $830 million renovation plan, which local officials say would spur development in the The Banks entertainment district—an area still dotted with vacant lots. The proposed upgrades could help generate $500 million in new investments. However, Senate Finance Committee Chair Jerry Cirino said that neither the Bengals nor Hamilton County had contacted him about the proposal. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also appeared surprised, noting that he hadn’t heard any specifics since meeting with former County Commission President Alicia Reece last summer.

DeWine reiterated his earlier call to fund stadium projects through a 20% tax on sports betting, which could raise up to $180 million annually. We no longer have money in the general fund. Stadium costs are going up, and revenues are not keeping pace, DeWine said. The Bengals' funding request came just one day after the Ohio House passed a budget including $600 million in state bonds to build a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns. While awaiting major infrastructure investments, many fans discover new ways to stay entertained—sports betting in Ohio being a top choice, especially with tools that tailor recommendations to your unique interests.

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Browns' success tied to strong lobbying

David Niven, a political science professor at the University of Cincinnati, said the Browns succeeded by framing their project as a regional economic driver—a stadium capable of hosting Super Bowls and major concerts. Meanwhile, the Bengals had focused more on the shortcomings of their current stadium than on the broader community benefits.

However, in a new 13-page proposal, the Bengals appear to be shifting their strategy. Their plans include new escalators and elevators, renovated suites and lounges, and improvements to concourses and public plazas—all designed to enhance The Banks development.

Unlike the Browns, who currently employ five state lobbyists, the Bengals have no active state lobbyist. They also lost key political support when Republican Bill Seitz, who once helped secure a $120 million sales-tax exemption for the team, retired. That investment was later pulled after negotiations with the county stalled.

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Political rivalry and the road ahead

Hamilton County officials argue that their project is further along than the Browns’, already generating $40 million annually in state tax revenue from The Banks development. They want to avoid being penalized for being ahead of Cuyahoga County.

Professor Niven suggests the Bengals need a stronger public relations push, involving players and community stories that highlight the local impact of keeping the team and improving the Paycor Stadium. People love sports teams. They love the players, they love the identity of being a major league city, Niven said. But unless the Bengals can show that stadium investments are making people’s lives better, it’ll be much harder to win over support for more public funding.