Negotiations between New York State and the Buffalo Bills are ongoing, but for now, there is no money for a new stadium in the state’s proposed fiscal 2023 budget.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a record $216.3 billion budget proposal on Tuesday with no appropriation for a new team facility.
“There hasn’t been any determination because we don’t have a dollar number of what the contribution would be yet,” New York State Budget Director Robert Mujica explained. “Those talks are ongoing.”
- The cost of the stadium will be split between the team, state, and Erie County.
- The stadium could cost $1.4 billion. The Buffalo News estimated that public funds could cover around $1 billion (or 73%) based on recent NFL stadium deals in small-market cities.
- Hochul signaled support for a new stadium last month.
Hochul has 30 days to submit amendments following her initial proposal. The budget must be finalized by April 1.
Austin Still Possible?
Team owners Kim and Terry Pegula have reportedly threatened to move the team if they don’t get a satisfactory deal, with Austin, Texas, a possible destination. Taxpayers have already chipped in $200 million for renovations to Highmark Stadium, the team’s current home.
The team’s current stadium lease expires in 2023.
For now, the Pegulas are synonymous with Buffalo sports: They also own the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, the National Lacrosse League’s Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks, the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, and an arena in Rochester.
