This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals have been at the center of contract discussions involving key players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but another critical issue looms: their stadium lease negotiations with Hamilton County. The current lease at Paycor Stadium, which has been home since 2000, is set to expire on June 30, 2026. However, the Bengals have the option to extend their lease by up to ten additional years if they act before June 30, 2025.

Negotiations have hit a snag, as the county's proposal for $1.25 billion in upgrades has not resulted in mutual agreement on the specifics. Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn emphasized the importance of urgency in these discussions, highlighting the contentious relationship between the team and the county. If they don't reach an agreement, the team could potentially relocate after the 2025 season, which would significantly impact fans and the franchise's future in Cincinnati.