Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Bills Making, Spending Plenty of Cash Ahead of New Stadium Opening

The Bills are still on schedule to open their new Highmark Stadium in 2026. That’s meant some new money coming in, but also lots of money being spent.

Detroit Free Press

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The Bills have brought in a lot of extra cash recently.

Ownership, led by CEO and president Terry Pegula, received roughly $1 billion in December when the team sold minority stakes totaling about 20% of the franchise at a $5 billion valuation to new investors, including private equity firm Arctos Partners.

And with a new Highmark Stadium opening in 2026, the Bills have also sold at least $129 million in personal seat licenses for the venue, according to The Buffalo News. 

But the Bills are going to spend a lot of money, too.

The cost of building their new stadium was originally projected to be $1.4 billion, with $850 million in public funding. By the end of 2024, that forecasted total had already surpassed $2.1 billion. Now, the Bills are seeking an exception to NFL debt limits to borrow $650 million with the stadium projected to cost at least $2.2 billion, according to Sports Business Journal. Buffalo had previously planned to borrow $200 million as part of the league’s G-4 stadium financing program.

Additionally, the Bills said in a statement Thursday to The Buffalo News that the team is “closely monitoring” land development around the new Highmark Stadium, which could include more commercial and residential projects.

On-Field Costs Rising, Too

The Bills will be on the hook for another high-profile expense soon. 

Josh Allen’s six-year, $258 million contract extension runs through 2028, but with the 2024 NFL MVP’s $43 million annual average salary ranking 14th among quarterbacks, a raise is likely in store (all figures via Spotrac).

When NFL teams give players guaranteed money in contracts, the franchise has to put those funds in escrow. So any additional guaranteed funds that Allen may secure in the coming years will be more immediate cash Buffalo ownership has to account for. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott currently has the highest annual salary at $60 million per year.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2026; Rio De Janeiro, BRA; A tifo featuring images of
First at FOS

NFL, NFLPA Yet to Hold Real Talks on More Games Abroad

The CBA requires consultation with the union.

NFL Puts Pressure on Illinois in Latest Bears Stadium Talks

Roger Goodell and JB Pritzker had their first face-to-face meeting.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Randy Levine on the Yankees’ $2.6B Apollo Deal and the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Isiah Thomas is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Isiah Thomas’s Knicks Role Puzzles Investor

Thomas will sit on the Knicks’ board beginning later this month.
September 29, 2026

Premier League Says Manchester City Guilty of All Serious Charges

The league confirmed its findings in a statement Tuesday.
Sep 29, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; The Houston Astros line up for the beginning of the game against the Chicago White Sox during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park.
September 30, 2026

MLB Playoff Openers Kick Off With Mixed Attendance

The Braves and Astros failed to sell out their playoff openers.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 29, 2026

Where Do Manchester City and English Soccer Go From Here?

The Premier League’s most dominant club could face drastic sanctions.
September 28, 2026

Can Atlanta City FC Defy the NWSL’s History of Bungled Rollouts?

The NWSL has a history of shaky team launches.
September 25, 2026

Manchester City Found Guilty on Almost All Financial Breach Charges

The club is expected to appeal the ruling.
September 22, 2026

Injuries to Dart, Daniels Have Giants and Commanders Reeling

Other injured NFL quarterbacks will be back sooner.